Celebrating the power of skills through our new Ambassador Programme

We are proud to launch our first City & Guilds Ambassador Programme - bringing together ten volunteers from a diverse range of industries, backgrounds and career paths who share a belief in the power of skills. ​

06 November 2026

Our founding ambassadors include apprentices, business owners, industry experts and career changers, all of whom will be sharing insights, expertise and first-hand experience of how skills can open doors and create opportunities. 

The scheme was launched at a welcome lunch at Jamie Oliver’s restaurant (a City & Guilds alumnus himself), where they shared stories and began exploring how they can support our work.

The programme aims to inspire future learners by showcasing different routes into learning and employment through real stories and experiences.

After gaining City & Guilds qualifications in professional cookery[SA1.1][JS1.2] in the 1990s, City & Guilds Ambassador and social entrepreneur Taz Khan MBE began a career in which he opened hotels and resorts internationally, later becoming the founder and CEO of London’s Community Kitchen, an organization which tackles food waste in order to provide meals for those in need. Talking about his skills journey, he said:

“Those skills didn’t just give me a career. They gave me a future. Today, across London and nationally, we rescue food, feed communities and train young people, adults and prison learners for careers in hospitality and green industries.

I'm proud to be a City & Guilds Ambassador because I'm living proof of what a qualification can unlock. With the right skills and someone who believes in you, anything is possible.”

Luke Maynard, Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs at City & Guilds, said:

“The introduction of the Ambassador Programme will help bring the transformative power of skills to life through their authentic stories and insights.

"They will make invaluable contributions through participating in events and discussions, providing industry-relevant feedback which will inform our projects and research. We’re delighted that our founding Ambassadors will be sharing their time and expertise, and look forward to their voices becoming an important part of City & Guilds’ activities in the year ahead.”