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WorldSkills Europe Chair announced as next Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Foundation

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Ben Blackledge, Chief Executive of WorldSkills UK, and Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, has been announced as the next Chief Executive of the City & Guilds Foundation.

The City & Guilds Foundation is a London-based charity that works to remove barriers to employment, celebrate skills development, and advocate for future job skills.

Ben has spent the past 12 years at WorldSkills UK, most recently as CEO, championing skills excellence and helping to create world-class opportunities for young people across the UK.

Commenting on his appointment, Ben said: “I am delighted to be joining the City & Guilds Foundation at such an important and exciting moment. The Foundation’s role has never been more vital, and I look forward to working with its outstanding team, partners and members to turn ambition into action.

The past 12 years at WorldSkills UK have given me the privilege of working with exceptional colleagues across the sector, creating life-changing opportunities for learners. I’m excited to bring that experience to help build clearer pathways that unlock productivity, tackle inequality and support a more inclusive economy.”

Ben will remain in post at WorldSkills UK until October, where he will continue to lead the organisation through its participation in WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, before formally joining the City & Guilds Foundation in mid-October.

Ben's departure from WorldSkills UK does not affect his position as Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe, a role he has held since 2021. Ben completes his first mandate as Chair of the Board at the WSE General Assembly in Helsinki on 11 June. He is standing for re-election to serve a second term, subject to approval by Members in the Board election vote, which will take place at the General Assembly.

Ben added: “I am incredibly passionate about promoting excellence in TVET, developing world-class skills, and facilitating cross-border collaboration for a stronger skills ecosystem. I remain deeply committed to my role as Chair of the Board of WorldSkills Europe to support the continued work of our Members to empower young people to thrive in both work and life, and to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness.”