National Recognition For College Diversity And Inclusion Success

Support for foundation level learning and participation in skills competitions at North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) has been recognised in a national awards scheme enabling the college to reach the shortlist in two categories.

NWSLC has been singled out as a champion of diversity and inclusion in technical education as part of this year’s WorldSkills UK Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Heroes Awards. Its Supported Internships programme, which enables young people with special educational needs and disabilities to gain employment, has been shortlisted as ‘Initiative of the Year’. And the college’s success in foundation skills competitions at the national finals of WorldSkills UK has led to a finals place as ‘Skills Competition Advocate’.

Established in 2020, the EDI Heroes Awards 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. The results are due to be announced at a special event at the House of Commons on 7 March 2024

NWSLC championed the development of foundation skills competitions as part of the WorldSkills UK portfolio, helping to devise, promote and create robust challenges for these students. During the implementation period, NWSLC helped to create test projects for regional qualifiers as well as the national WorldSkills UK finals. The college has consistently worked as an advocate for inclusive skills competitions and has successfully increased engagement through CPD sessions.

Students and apprentices from NWSLC performed particularly well in the Inclusive Skills competitions in 2023 collecting eight medals in total and putting the college at the top of the medals table in England.

The college’s Supported Internships programme, now in its third year, has seen 36 interns placed within six different businesses and in a range of college departments. Last year, 73 per cent of interns successfully achieved permanent positions at the culmination of their programmes. Supported internships enable young people to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with the skills they need through workplace learning.

The annual EDI Heroes Awards are designed to recognise and celebrate individuals and organisations who champion diversity and inclusion within their organisations and the technical education sector. Winners across multiple categories came from large and small companies, charities, training organisations, colleges, and universities.

Marion Plant, OBE FCGI, Principal and Chief Executive of NWSLC said, “We are really proud of our consistent efforts to support Inclusive Skills and being shortlisted for these awards provides fitting recognition of colleagues’ commitment and dedication to our mission.

“We always find that engaging in skills competitions helps students to build their confidence as well as preparing them well for the world of work. Our aim is to widen participation in skills competitions across our entire student body and we rely on inspirational colleagues to help and support every entrant.”

Ben Blackledge, CEO, WorldSkills UK said, “Congratulations to all the finalists. These awards are an amazing opportunity to highlight and celebrate the difference being made by organisations and individuals across the skills sector. We are passionate about championing the need for inclusive opportunities that give all young people the chance to succeed in work and life, and that is why we are thrilled to come together in person in a few weeks to celebrate and hear first-hand who the winners are.”

A former NWSLC apprentice is currently training to represent the UK on the world’s stage at the bi-annual WorldSkills competition in Lyon in 2024. Painter and decorator Hattie Parnham is a member of the WorldSkills’ Squad UK and is battling for the chance to compete on an international stage later this year.