The awards were launched at a glittering ceremony held at the BFI London IMAX cinema to celebrate gold medallists from this year’s WorldSkills UK competitions. Run annually these competitions aim to encourage young people and adults across the UK to excel in their vocational skill area.

Open to all of those who have represented the UK as part of Team UK at WorldSkills, the international skills competition, the UK Alumni Awards aim to recognise those who continue to make a significant contribution to skills and practical learning.

There are two categories:
1) Most Valuable Contribution to Skills and Practical Learning - by a former Team UK Competitor at the international WorldSkills Competition

2) Outstanding Achievement - by a former Team UK competitor at the international WorldSkills Competition

Andy Powell, Chief Executive of Edge said: “Edge believes that there are many paths to success and is dedicated to raising the stature of practical and vocational learning in the UK. We’re therefore very proud to be premier supporter of the WorldSkills Alumni. There are so many ways that these talented people who’ve competed internationally at WorldSkills can use their expertise and experience to inspire and nurture others.

The aim of the Awards is to both encourage and recognise the hugely positive contribution that can be made by past competitors to promoting practical learning in the UK. We’re very much looking forward to celebrating the first of these winners’ achievements next year.”

Simon Bartley, Chief Executive, UK Skills added: “From speaking with past competitors, we have found that that many still play a very active role in contributing to the teaching and promotion of skills and we wanted to recognise this officially. The launch of these annual awards allows us to do just this and highlight how taking part in skills competitions not only benefits your immediate future but can shape the development throughout your working life. We are extremely grateful to Edge for their support of this initiative and more generally the work of UK Skills.”

Entrants can apply directly or be nominated by friends, work colleagues, UK Skills and Edge.

For regular updates, please visit the World Skills Alumni website www.worldskillsalumni.org.uk.

For more information, please contact:
Kate Moloughney – UK Skills - 0207 429 2827

kate.moloughney@ukskills.org.uk