The Skills and Education Group is a finalist in three categories of this year’s FAB 2022 Awards – the annual celebration of excellence in the awarding and assessment industry, hosted by the Federation of Awarding Bodies (FAB).

The Group is on the shortlist for the Collaboration of the Year and Innovation of the Year categories, while Mamello Atisa, an adult learner who has completed Skills and Education Group Awards fashion and textiles qualifications, is a finalist in the Learner of the Year category.

The FAB Awards recognises the contributions made by awarding organisations and their employees to education and skills in the UK over the past year. It is the pinnacle awards ceremony, celebrating a world-class sector that issued more than 10 million certifications last year.

For Collaboration of the Year, the Group has been shortlisted for its work to prevent labour exploitation through the development of a ground-breaking new qualification, which was undertaken in partnership with various agencies including the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA).

For Innovation of the Year, the organisation’s use of blockchain technologies and digital certification through Advanced Secure has been recognised.

Mamello Atisa, a learner from Fashion Enter, received a grant from the Skills and Education Group Foundation and shared her inspiring story at the Group’s Annual Conference in May 2022. Her journey of overcoming huge obstacles to pursue her passion for learning has led to her being a finalist in the Learner of the Year category.

Now in its seventh year, the FAB 2022 Awards dinner, sponsored by Creatio, is being held at the end of the first day of the FAB Conference, on 20 October at the Marriott Hotel in Leicester.

Commenting on the awards, Tom Bewick, Chief Executive of FAB, said:

“The FAB Awards go from strength to strength. We’re delighted to have received so many nominations of such a high standard for the prestigious FAB 2022 Awards.

“The Awards showcase excellence in awarding and assessment and celebrate the contributions of individuals and teams to developing high-quality qualifications, and innovative and inclusive practice. To reach the finals of the FAB Awards is no mean feat and I extend my warm congratulations to all finalists and wish them luck.

“We look forward to celebrating our world-class industry on the night.”

Reflecting on the shortlists, Paul Eeles, Chief Executive of Skills and Education Group, said:

“Being shortlisted for three categories in the FAB 2022 Awards is a fantastic result for the Skills and Education Group. In the last few years, our organisation has grown rapidly, and we have undertaken a range of new developments to support our mission of advancing skills and education to improve people’s lives. I am delighted to see our work receive this recognition and would like to thank all of our staff – being finalists for these awards is testament to their hard work.

“This year’s shortlists are of a very high standard across the categories, and I would like to wish all other finalists the best of luck for the awards dinner in October. It promises to be a fitting celebration of the awarding and assessment industry.”

The full list of finalists can be viewed here.