WorldSkills UK announces winners of its Equity Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards 2024

Louise Gaskin has won the Inclusive Skills Development Award at the 2024 WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards. The winners were announced at a prestigious ceremony held at the Houses of Parliament, London on 7 March.

The WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards, supported by the Skills and Education Group and UVAC, recognise the extraordinary accomplishments of individuals and organisations who champion diversity and inclusion in the technical education sector.

Louise Gaskin, who is Head of Curriculum for Creative Industries at Nescot won the award for Inclusive Skills Development for her pivotal role in guiding students participating in the WorldSkills UK digital media production competition and her advocacy for a more inclusive curriculum in FE.

“I am delighted to receive this prestigious Award in recognition for championing an inclusive curriculum”, said Louise. “I have been guiding Creative Media student groups for WorldSkills UK for the past 12 years. Every year I also pick a charity that’s relevant to young people to enable discussions and raise awareness of topical issues. Our students are also encouraged to make promotional films for these charities as part of their work experience brief.”

“This Award is for my team. It is a testament to the fantastic Creative Industries team that I work with at the college who get behind all the ideas and enthuse our students to get involved,” added Louise.

Ben Blackledge, CEO, WorldSkills UK said: “Congratulations to Louise Gaskin on winning this year’s Inclusive Skills Development Award at the WorldSkills UK’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Heroes awards.

“Your achievements in driving change to ensure all the young people you work with have the opportunity to succeed through apprenticeships and technical education is truly inspiring.

“At WorldSkills UK, we are proud to provide a platform for celebrating those making a significant difference. By working together, we can advocate for real change across the sector, creating inclusive opportunities that give all young people the chance for success in work and life.”

Charlotte Nichols, the MP for Warrington North sponsored the event at the Houses of Parliament. She said: “Congratulations to this year's winners of the WorldSkills UK EDI Heroes Awards. It was fantastic to support these awards and come together to celebrate the finalists and winners for the first time at the Houses of Parliament."

WorldSkills UK is a world-class skills network focused on raising standards in apprenticeships and technical education, championing future skills and empowering young people from all backgrounds through competition-based training.