YALE is one of three Welsh colleges rewarded for their innovative work alongside businesses and schools.
The college received the Protocol Professional Award for Art and Design from Dame Patricia Morgan-Webb, chair of the Beacon Awards, at a high profile event in Birmingham.
As well as recognition for its work the college will also receive a £7,000 grant to develop its art programme further.
Coleg Menai received the TES/AoC Award for Staff Development and Pembrokeshire College received the ELWa Award for College Engagement with Employers.
These colleges came top of the 500 UK institutions in the Association of Colleges (AoC) competition and were praised for their successful training programmes.
Sheila Drury, chairman of ELWa, said: 'Every finalist in this tough competition deserves to be congratulated for their efforts.
'Strong links between colleges, local schools and businesses in Wales is crucial to help provide its citizens and industry with the skills they need to succeed.
'Yale College has been singled out as a leader in its field but every further education college in Wales has a key role in creating communication networks between businesses and colleges, thinking innovatively about learning and delivering the key skills that industry needs.'
Secretary of State for Education and Employment Charles Clarke said: 'The winning colleges should be rightly proud of their achievement in reaching the Beacon Award standard.
'Not only are they being recognised for exemplary and sometimes innovative work, but they are also fuelling curriculum development across the sector as other colleges learn more about the winning projects.'
