BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra’s Swarzy Shire announced as host for Enginuity Skills Awards 2026

Enginuity is excited to announce Swarzy Shire, host on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, will host this year’s highly anticipated Skills Awards 2026 ceremony. 

Taking place on Wednesday, 1 July 2026 at the prestigious Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, the Enginuity Skills Awards will bring together industry leaders, educators, apprentices and innovators to celebrate excellence across the UK’s engineering and manufacturing sectors. 

Now in its 12th year, the awards recognise the individuals and organisations driving the future of engineering, highlighting achievements in skills development, digital transformation, sustainability, diversity and productivity. From students and apprentices to employers and educators, the event shines a spotlight on those shaping the next generation of talent. 

A night of recognition and inspiration 

Swarzy Shire is a powerhouse broadcaster, speaker and creative, working at the intersection of radio, culture, and live events - with storytelling at the heart of everything she does. 

Based in London, Swarzy hosts the BBC Radio 1 Weekend Early Breakfast Show every Sunday, BBC Radio 1Xtra on Saturdays, and presents Daily Service and Sunday Worship on BBC Radio 4. Her journey into broadcasting has come full circle: she went from winning a competition to become a presenter at KISS FM to becoming one of the voices of BBC Sounds.  

A strong advocate for education and the joy of learning, Swarzy brings curiosity and openness into every space she enters. She has hosted the BBC Bitesize Schools Tour, connecting with young people across the UK, and founded her platform Too Much Source - an annual exhibition with live events celebrating Black British creatives making history today. 

Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of learning new skills and embracing change. Named a Black History Month “Next Generation Trailblazer” by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Swarzy has hosted and led conversations on some of the world’s biggest stages from COP26 to live events with Nike, BBC Studios, ITV, TikTok and the Commonwealth Games. She also serves as a Kew Gardens Ambassador, welcoming new audiences through her lens of curiosity, community and access, creating space for more people to engage and share their stories. 

Hosting the Enginuity Skills Awards is especially meaningful to her. Swarzy’s own path has been anything but linear - shaped by new challenges, evolving passions and the need to develop different skills at every stage. She understands first-hand what it means to adapt, grow and step into new opportunities, making it a true privilege to celebrate the journeys and achievements of this year’s nominees. 

Known for her infectious energy and genuine love for people, she is passionate about celebrating stories that inspire, uplift and deserve to be heard - whether on air or on stage. 

Speaking ahead of the event, Swarzy said: “I’m really excited to be hosting the Enginuity Skills Awards this year! It’s my first time, and I can’t wait to celebrate the nominees and shine a light on their stories. 

“As someone who wears many hats across different roles, I love to learn and have a real appreciation for the time, resilience and determination it takes to build new skills, overcome challenges and find your voice - often while navigating barriers outside of your control. The journey is everything and spending the night with people who share that mindset means a lot to me. I can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate everyone in the room!” 

Attend the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026  

The ceremony promises to be a standout moment in the industry calendar, offering attendees the opportunity to showcase achievements, share impactful stories and gain national recognition among peers. 

We’re excited to announce that tickets for the Enginuity Skills Awards 2026 are on sale from Monday, 30 March 2026. You can register your interest via the link below. 

The Enginuity Skills Awards bring together the brightest minds and boldest innovators across engineering and manufacturing. We’ll be celebrating individuals, employers, and organisations who are shaping the future of our sector.  

From rising talent to industry trailblazers, it’s an evening filled with recognition, connection, and the kind of inspiration that stays with you long after the night ends.  

Find out more and register your interest