Extraordinary people and organisations doing extraordinary things were hailed as heroes at WorldSkills UK LIVE at the NEC in Birmingham on Friday November 22.
The inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Heroes Awards, hosted in partnership with Coca-Cola European Partners, recognised those going above and beyond in their support for young people from a range of backgrounds, championing difference and inclusivity in the Further Education (FE) sector.
The winners were:
- Programme or Initiative of the Year (sponsored by Access: VFX): Paul Sowerby, Catcote Academy 6th Form
- Media/Social Media Campaign of the Year (sponsored by Toyota Manufacturing UK): Michael Purcell, Southern Regional College
- Network of the Year (sponsored by BAE Systems): The Girls’ Network
- Role Model (sponsored by Festo): Libby Price, Gemini Accident Repair
- Rising Star Award (sponsored by Coca-Cola European Partners): Raisa Matadar – Jaguar Land Rover
Ben Blackledge, Deputy CEO of WorldSkills UK said: “All the winners are an inspiration. They have embraced and created opportunities to optimise potential and have achieved great things. We salute you.”
“Huge congratulations to them all. They thoroughly deserve this recognition for making such a tangible contribution to such an important element of the sector.
“Skills are transformative for people from all backgrounds – this work is vital for our society and economy.”
Sharon Blyfield, HR Business Partners from Coca-Cola European Partners said: “We are at the heart of everything that WorldSkills UK wants to achieve because we know it is going to benefit us too. We congratulate all those nominated and particularly the winners tonight.”
Raisa Matadar said: “Being BAME, a woman and an engineer – inclusivity is very close to my heart. I am delighted to win this award.”
WorldSkills UK LIVE, is deemed as the very best event of its kind in Europe, and was brimming with stimulating hands-on exhibits, fascinating talks and Q&A sessions with leading employers and scintillating entertainment.
Dozens of the UK’s major employers, organisations and educators had a high-profile presence at LIVE in their quest to recruit the next generation of high-fliers. Among them will be BAE Systems, Toyota Manufacturing UK, Health Education England, Lloyds Banking Group, the armed forces, Middlesex University, Leicester College and Dudley College of Technology.
