As we reflect on the past year, one thing is clear: collaboration has been at the heart of our journey. We’ve worked alongside industry, governments and development agencies to address global workforce challenges and support the growth of individuals and businesses. From enhancing skills to promoting inclusivity and sustainability, our work has had a tangible impact across the globe.

This reflection highlights the collaborative projects that have driven progress in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future for workforces worldwide.

Our initiatives have had a direct impact on lives and businesses, driving measurable growth. We are proud to have been recognised as a highly commended business in the Made in the UK, Sold to the World awards, and named an Export Champion by the Department for Business & Trade, reflecting the reach and impact of our work:

• Over 5,300 individuals enhanced their skills, paving the way for brighter futures.
• Our training empowered over 110 trainers, equipping them to create lasting and scalable impacts.
• More than 1,200 businesses received tailored support to strengthen workforce capabilities.
• We surveyed 1,650+ people to gain critical insights into workforce challenges, driving informed decision-making.

Data-driven insights

Our work has been driven by data and intelligence, supporting the development of strategies and approaches that lead to impactful workforce solutions.

• In Jordan, a local economic assessment identified 13 sectors with strong potential for employment and entrepreneurship, focusing on vulnerable groups including youth, women and Syrian refugees.
• In Belize, we spearheaded a strategy to transition the tourism sector to eco-tourism, aligning workforce skills with sustainability goals.
• In North East England, our research represented the views of over 180 businesses to better understand emerging skills issues and develop a roadmap to address workforce challenges in the region’s visitor economy.

Championing inclusion and diversity

A more inclusive workforce isn’t just a goal, it’s a necessity. This year, we’ve taken steps to break barriers and promote diversity:

• Across Brazil, Mexico, and Peru, we advanced gender equality in STEM fields, equipping institutions with actionable frameworks and mentorship programmes.
• In Latvia and Lithuania, our partnership established a training academy promoting lifelong learning and inclusivity for older workers and people with disabilities.
• In Northern Ireland, we developed the Inclusive Employer Toolkit and on-demand webinar to support employers to create positive environments that attract, retain, and promote women.

Strengthening sector collaboration

Our industry-led initiatives have transformed sectors by aligning training with employer needs:

• In Serbia, our recommendations for sector skills councils are now being piloted in the railway sector, creating a model for future alignment between education and industry.
• In Pakistan, we established an industry advisory task group in the food and beverage sector, setting a new benchmark for public-private partnerships.

Building workforce capability and capacity

Our efforts to enhance workforce capabilities have focused on practical, sustainable solutions:

• Over 3,500 individuals benefited from our WorldHost Customer Service training, with a new workshop on managing conflict designed to address emerging skills needs.
• In Egypt, the Hassan Allam Vocational Academy trained 956 individuals, building a stronger workforce and fostering economic inclusion.