WorldSkills UK, a four nations partnership between education, industry and UK governments, has announced that four new trustees are joining its board.
The new trustees, all of whom take up their positions with immediate effect, are:
• Nicki Hay MBE, Director of Apprenticeship Strategy and Policy, BPP and Chair, AELP
• Rachel Wilson, Director of People and Organisation, Siemens plc for GB&I
• Shane Mann, CEO, EducationScape
• Tanaka Chiimba, Partner, Transactions and Transformations, Kearney
Each trustee brings a unique skills set and wealth of experience from a variety of fields. They will play an essential role in guiding the strategic direction of WorldSkills UK, using its participation in the WorldSkills global movement to promote and develop skills excellence to fuel business growth and create more opportunities for young people.
Marion Plant OBE, FCGI, Chair of the WorldSkills UK Board said: “We are pleased to welcome Nikki, Rachel, Shane, and Tanaka. We are proud that our board reflects a diverse range of expertise and experience, and their appointments will undoubtedly deepen our insights as we continue to expand the reach and impact of our programmes to benefit more young people, educators and employers across the UK.”
Nicki Hay MBE, Director of Apprenticeship Strategy and Policy, BPP and Chair, AELP said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as a Trustee. I am excited to work with WorldSkills UK to further grow engagement with independent training providers. By promoting the transformative impact of its programmes, we can empower providers to nurture world-class talent, equip learners with vital skills, and shape a brighter future for industries and individuals alike.”
Reflecting on her appointment to the board, Rachel Wilson, Director of People and Organisation at Siemens UK and Ireland, said: “In today’s rapidly evolving world where technology is changing at breakneck speed, many of the technical skills traditionally coveted by employers now have a short shelf life. This means that employers are pivoting to place less emphasis on ‘what you know’, focusing instead on ‘how you learn’ when looking for new talent.
“I’m looking forward to joining the board at WorldSkills UK and doing my bit to provide a platform for young people to showcase their technical abilities and facilitate the development of the essential skills of resilience and self-belief.”
Commenting on his appointment, Shane Mann, CEO, EducationScape, said: “I’ve been involved with WorldSkills UK since 2010, so I’m genuinely delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a trustee. WorldSkills UK plays a vital role in championing excellence in skills development, and I’m looking forward to contributing to its continued impact on young people, employers and the wider economy.”
Tanaka Chiimba, Partner, Transactions and Transformations, Kearney
Notes to Editors
New Trustee Bios
Nicki Hay MBE, Director of Apprenticeship Strategy and Policy, BPP and Chair, AELP
Nicki has held senior roles in the Further Education sector for over 30 years. In addition to her role at BPP Education Group, a global leader in professional and vocational education, she chairs the board of Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), is Chair of AELP London and sits on the GLA’s Skills for Londoners Board. Nicki was recognised for services to apprenticeships and skills in the 2021 New Year Honours List, where she was awarded an MBE.
Rachel Wilson, Director of People and Organisation, Siemens plc for GB&I
Rachel is strategic HR Leader with over 30 years of experience working in the manufacturing, engineering and technology sector across a wide range of HR fields. In her current role as Director of People and Organisation for Siemens plc for GB&I, Rachel is a strategic advisor and business partner to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team. Rachel holds a Board Trustee role for Enginuity and Non Exec Director position for EAL and is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD).
Shane Mann, CEO, EducationScape
Shane is CEO of EducationScape, an organisation at the forefront of education publishing, training and event management. Shane played a key role in shaping educational journalism by helping launch FE Week in 2011. Building on this success, Schools Week followed in 2014, providing in-depth analysis of the education system from early years to secondary education. Shane has also played a leading role in the renowned Festival of Education, both in the UK and internationally. He was appointed as a trustee of the Teaching Awards Trust in 2020.
Tanaka Chiimba, Partner, Transactions and Transformations, Kearney
Tanaka is a partner (Transactions and Transformations) at Kearney, a leading global management consulting firm. Born in Zimbabwe, Tanaka has held roles with several consulting firms and worked for UNICEF. A passionate champion of diversity and inclusion, Tanaka co-founded Africawide and worked with its trust foundation to help people in the Southern African Development Community through various anti-poverty initiatives. Tanaka volunteers with and sits on the board of The Listening Place, an organisation that provides support to Londoners who are struggling with personal crises.
