Jay Blades appointed as Vice President of City & Guilds

In his new role Jay will act as an ambassador for skills, amplifying the message about the critical importance of vocational skills development to individuals and wider society.

As Vice President, Blades will champion City & Guilds’ efforts to bring skills to more people and unlock the power of skills development in helping more people into secure employment and improve their lives.

“As someone who has experienced significant success in life thanks to the transformational impact of the skills I have learned, I am delighted to be working with City & Guilds as their Vice President to give others access to some of the opportunities I have had.

“Giving people the skills they need to thrive is particularly relevant as we find ourselves in a cost-of-living crisis with so many people struggling to make ends meet.  I truly believe in the power of skills-based education to unlock people’s potential and provide access to brilliant careers - in sectors from craft skills through to construction – that might not otherwise have been available to them. I am excited to see what I can do to support City & Guilds in their purpose to support people from all walks of life into meaningful vocational careers over the next three years”.