What makes a workforce development award nomination convincing? Not the size of a training budget or the number of activities delivered, but a clear account of the challenge, the approach and the impact on people. A strong nomination helps independent judges understand what changed and why it matters.
Choose the right award category
Read the criteria before drafting your entry. The Global Future Skills Awards categories distinguish between organisations, initiatives, teams and individuals. For example, the Workforce Development Award focuses on programmes that strengthen skills, progression and organisational capability; Future Skills Leader of the Year recognises the influence and achievements of an individual.
1. Establish the challenge
Explain what problem you were solving. Was there a shortage of technical skills, limited access to employment, a need to reskill experienced workers or a barrier to progression? Identify who was affected and explain why the challenge mattered.
2. Describe the intervention, not just its ambition
Outline what you designed or delivered: its objectives, audiences, duration, delivery partners and learning methods. Identify decisions that made your approach distinctive. If you are nominating an individual, explain exactly what that person led or contributed.
3. Give judges evidence of change
An effective entry links objectives to outcomes. Depending on the initiative, useful evidence might include:
01. Numbers of learners supported, with cohort and dates specified
02. Skills or qualifications achieved and how these were assessed
03. Employment, retention, promotion or career-progression outcomes
04. Changes in workforce capability, performance or confidence
05. Evidence that the initiative continued, expanded or influenced wider practice
Context matters. A completion rate without the number of participants or comparison period is difficult to interpret. Combine credible data with case studies or participant experiences where they add insight.
4. Explain inclusion and innovation
Innovation need not involve artificial intelligence. It could mean working more effectively with employers, recognising prior learning or designing a programme around people who have previously been excluded. Explain why the approach worked and what others could learn from it.
5. Be specific and honest
Avoid superlatives that are unsupported by facts. Distinguish plans from achievements, describe challenges you encountered and provide relevant supporting material, such as evaluation findings or partner statements.
A useful nomination structure
01. Challenge: the problem and the people affected
02. Approach: what you did and your specific role
03. Impact: measurable outcomes and credible examples
04. Learning: what improved and what remains to be done
05. Legacy: how the benefits will last or be shared
Considering an entry? Explore the award categories and start a nomination enquiry. The GFSA team can help you select the most appropriate category and understand the next steps.