We are proud to announce this year’s finalists for the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Heroes Awards. We are passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion because we want to help as many young people as possible, from all backgrounds, to get the best start in work and life. These awards were established in 2020 to honour individuals and organisations that promote and embed innovative practices, projects, and initiatives, making a positive impact on students, workplaces, and the wider skills system.
We are grateful for the enthusiastic support provided by both the Skills & Education Group and the University Vocational Awards Council (UVAC), who serve as advocates for these prestigious awards, as well as to all the individual award sponsors.
We will be hosting the awards ceremony on Monday, 3 March 2025. This provides us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all the finalists in person and eagerly await the announcement of this year’s winners. Additionally, we will reveal the winner of the Outstanding Contribution of the Year award, sponsored by Into Film. Chosen by the judges from all the nominees, this award recognises an exceptional individual as a true trailblazer for equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Ben Blackledge, CEO, WorldSkills UK said:
“A massive congratulations to all the nominees who have made the shortlist of this years awards! The record number of nominations received demonstrates the fantastic work taking place across the skills sector and we can’t wait to celebrate their amazing work. We are delighted to work with alongside our partners to the shine a light on the individuals and organisations who are driving real change and creating opportunities for all young people. All the nominees are deserving of recognition and we wish them the best of luck.”
The shortlisted nominees are listed below:
| Apprentice of the Year Award sponsor: Gateway Qualifications | |
| Fred | West Suffolk College |
| Andrew | United Colleges Group |
| Sarah | Solihull College & University Centre |
| Abbas | Lloyds Banking Group |
| Inclusive Employer of the Year Award sponsor: AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group | |
| Autism Wellbeing Project | |
| Birmingham Metropolitan College | |
| Solihull College & University Centre | |
| Capital One | |
| Training Provider of the Year Award sponsor: Education & Training Foundation | |
| Coach Core | |
| Warrington & Vale Royal College | |
| Birmingham Metropolitan College | |
| Innovator of the Year Award sponsor: Enginuity | |
| University of Kent | |
| Heathrow Inclusive Learning Partnership | |
| Yeovil College | |
| Educator of the Year Award sponsor: FE Week | |
| Fredericka | Birmingham Metropolitan College |
| Wasim | Coach Core |
| Haddon Charity For Performing Arts | |
| Jacqui | Menorah High School for Girls |
| Institution of the Year Award sponsor: UVAC – University Vocational Awards Council | |
| Manchester Metropolitan University | |
| The City of Liverpool College | |
| Shrewsbury Colleges Group | |
| Social Mobility Champion Award sponsor: Skills & Education Group | |
| Izzy | Pathway CTM |
| Gower College Swansea | |
| Jagdeep | |
| Women in STEM Award sponsor: The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry | |
| Melissa | Techwuman |
| Hannah | Gower College Swansea |
| Hopwood Hall College | |
For further details on each award, visit the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Heroes Awards 2025 webpage.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the winner’s announcement via our social media channels on 3 March.
