The Department for Education (DfE), in partnership with WorldSkills UK, has announced the winners of its Design for Diplomacy competition.
Students and apprentices from further and higher education institutions, alongside independent training providers, were challenged to create a small, sustainable diplomatic gift showcasing English creativity.
Following a judging process led by a panel including DfE Permanent Secretary Susan Acland-Hood and WorldSkills UK Chief Executive Ben Blackledge, winning designs were selected from Luke Haile and Nathan Usher.
Luke, a silver medallist at WorldSkills Lyon 2024, completed his apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning with Lightfoot International. He went onto complete a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mechanical Engineering and is now a Research and Development Technician specialising in refrigeration solutions at Lightfoot International. Luke designed a commemorative coin that also functions as a measuring tool, combining practicality with a celebration of British engineering.
Nathan, who was in Squad UK for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026, studied Level 2 and 3 Cabinet Making at Colchester Institute. He now works as a Junior Cabinet Maker at Bill Cleyndert & Company. Nathan created a set of tea coasters featuring iconic English landmarks and traditional foods. Judges praised the design for capturing England’s heritage and character in a sustainable and visually engaging way.
Susan Acland-Hood, Permanent Secretary, Department for Education said: “Competitions such as this play a vital role in developing the next generation of skilled professionals. Nathan and Luke’s winning entries demonstrate the curiosity, creativity and commitment that will be essential in shaping the future of design, manufacturing and innovation in this country.”
The gifts are now in production and will be presented at events from the autumn.
Nathan Usher said: “It was a real honour to be selected as a winner of the Design for Diplomacy competition. I wanted to create something that reflects the culture, history and identity of England in a simple but meaningful way. Knowing that my design could be used as a diplomatic gift to represent the country internationally is something I’m incredibly proud of.”
Luke Haile said: “It was an honour to win the Design for Diplomacy competition. Through my design, I wanted to showcase the precision, craftsmanship and engineering excellence that England is renowned for. I’m proud that the finished piece will represent England and its engineering achievements on the international stage.”
Winning designs
