On Thursday the long-awaited BAME Apprenticeship Awards in partnership with Pearson 2021 finalists were announced via a spectacular online broadcast hosted by Kasim Choudhry; Managing Director of The BAME Apprentice Network. The broadcast featured 8 past apprentice winners all sharing their individual apprenticeship journey, talking about how they overcame the pandemic, and telling us how the awards have helped them to thrive.
The BAME Apprenticeship Awards in partnership with Pearson showcases the outstanding work and achievement of apprentices from black & minority ethnic groups (BAME), and inspires BAME apprentices to reach their full potential. The awards are organised by The BAME Apprentice Network who aim to close the diversity gap in apprenticeships by supporting apprentices and working with employers to make meaningful change.
This year the awards received a record number of entries with more than 300 apprentices nominated nationally across a wide range of categories, showcasing the vast array of talent within the diverse pool of BAME apprentices. The awards platform is instrumental in creating future leaders and ambassadors for apprenticeships, and has brought to the forefront key issues surrounding the need for more diversity within particular sectors.
However, the awards don’t just recognise apprentices. Employers and learning providers are also awarded for their work in implementing positive diversity and inclusion strategies, giving best practice examples for other organisations to follow suit.
“While this year hasn’t been easy for anyone, we have seen true resilience from the apprentices who have had to deal with an unprecedented scenario. Covid 19 is a historic moment and I feared that nominations would be low because of this, however the overwhelming response we have received this year has been humbling to say the least.” says Kasim.
Check out the full shortlist here: https://multiculturalapprenticeshipawards.co.uk/shortlist2021/
For organisations who would like to get more involved and increase diversity in apprenticeships, sign our DEI Pledge: https://bameapprenticenetwork.com/dei-pledge/
For more information, please contact kasim@thinkfest.co.uk or call 0121 708 0731.
