Launching in October 2026, the flagship programme with South Thames Colleges Group is the first to be announced by LMEd, LME’s new education business, and is designed to provide exceptional event training while inspiring future careers.
By creating new pathways into the industry for school leavers, graduates and career changers from all backgrounds, LMEd forms part of LME’s commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive events workforce.
The courses provide access to the skills, opportunities and best-in-class learning experience needed to be part of a thriving industry that drives both economic and community growth. With LME recently announcing an historic Double TCS London Marathon weekend for 2027, this is an ideal time to attract a new generation of volunteers and future sport management leaders.
The first LMEd partnership to be announced is with South Thames Colleges Group who will deliver a pioneering Level 4 HNC in Sports Event Management. Aimed at 18–25-year-olds seeking an alternative to university, it combines academic learning, industry engagement and practical work experience, covering areas such as event operations, customer experience, commercial strategy and innovation.
John O’Shea, Executive Principal of South Thames Colleges Group, said:
“South Thames Colleges Group (STCG) is proud to partner with London Marathon Events to launch this first-of-its-kind Level 4 Sports Events Management HNC. This unique collaboration gives our students unrivalled access to real-world experience, working alongside industry professionals at the heart of major live events. At STCG University Centre, we are committed to delivering career-focused higher education, and this programme offers a truly exceptional opportunity for learners to develop the skills, insight and networks needed to succeed in the sports events industry.”
LME have ensured sustainability will feature as a core principle throughout all courses, delivered by the best-in-class specialists from LME. As the gold-standard in sustainable event delivery, earlier this year the 2025 TCS London Marathon became the first major event and marathon in the UK to be awarded the Evergreen certificate by the Council for Responsible Sport.
At a time when job and career opportunities for young people are shrinking, the strong economic impact of major sporting events highlights the often-overlooked value and growth of careers in this sector. As shown by a recent Sheffield Hallam University report, the 2025 TCS London Marathon generated an estimated £226 million in economic activity across the UK, including £68 million for London alone.
Last month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham outlined new education reforms that increasingly focus on practical routes into employment through technical education and work-based learning, recognising the importance of equipping young people with the skills and experience needed to access growing industries.
Hugh Brasher, CEO of London Marathon Events, said: “As London Marathon Events continues to expand its portfolio across London, the UK and internationally, it is vital that our workforce reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We are proud to launch LMEd, our new education business, and partner with South Thames Colleges Group to help inspire, develop and equip the next generation of sports event professionals.
“At a time when employment opportunities for young people are scarce, our industry continues to thrive. Through high-quality training and hands-on learning, we hope many graduates of these programmes will go on to build successful careers and play a key role in delivering world-class events in the years ahead.”
