2023 Multicultural Apprenticeship Award winners revealed in Birmingham Ceremony

5th October 2023, Birmingham – Some of the most inspiring and impressive apprentices in UK were last night celebrated at the 8th annual Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards.

Run by The Pathway Group, in partnership with the world’s leading learning company Pearson, this year’s winners were announced at a ceremony in Birmingham hosted by Broadcaster Tommy Sandhu and former award winner Parris Small. Guests were treated to performances from Bhangra group Vakhri Tahr, the Marshon Dance Company and rapper and poet Raza Hussain.

The event seeks to recognise talent and diversity in apprenticeships, honouring those working hard to overcome adversity to achieve their goals through apprenticeships. The 30 awards, across 16 different categories, highlight the achievements of apprentices and the contribution of employers and learning providers who have assisted them along their journey. A panel of 20 expert judges reviewed over 450 submissions to select the winners this year.

Founder Safaraz Ali

Addressing the audience, Founder of Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards and CEO of Pathway Group, Safaraz Ali, said: “This year our awards have witnessed unparalleled growth. Seeing such a wealth of dedication and talent gathered here is both inspiring and exciting. A warm thank you to everyone who has contributed to making this event an extraordinary success.”

In a surprise announcement at the start of the evening, Paul Sobers was awarded the Commitment to Apprenticeships Award (dedicated to education and training sector advocate Steve Lawrence who sadly passed away earlier this year). Paul has held early careers roles at EY, Sky, Amazon, BT Group and is current UK Graduate and Student Recruitment Lead at National Grid.

Young carer and University College London data technician apprentice Aymen Belkacemi was named Charity, Voluntary & Public Services winner 2023 for his tireless commitment to supporting others and letting nothing stand in his way. Outside of work, Aymen is an apprenticeship ambassador for Not Going To Uni and Multiverse, as well as Co-Chair of the Carers Trust Youth Advisory Panel.

Nottingham City Council apprentice electrician Tracy Fearon won the Constuction Services award for her efforts in dispelling the myth that construction is a male-only industry. As a Women in Construction ambassador, Tracy holds monthly workshops at local schools and was inspired to enter the sector after meeting a female apprentice electrician at careers fair.

Being the first person to undertake a master’s degree apprenticeship at Rolls-Royce and the first female candidate selected for the course, Alexia Williams was recognised in the Engineering & Manufacturing category, with the judges describing her as a “pioneer” in aerospace engineering.

Tracy Tran from BT Group shone in the Digital & Technology category as role model for what can be achieved through hard work and determination. Growing up in one of the most underachieving and income-deprived boroughs of London, Tracy went from having no previous IT experience to gaining a first-class honours degree in Digital and Technology Solutions.

In another victory for BT Group, chartered management degree apprentice Abu Berete won in the Creative, Media & Marketing category for his outstanding performance at work. Abu has been involved in a variety of large projects within the organisation, including leading on customer experience programme worth over £100 million. He is also the founder of the Young Black Professionals network.

With 26 million customers and funding around 1000 apprenticeships across 30 different programmes annually, Lloyds Banking Group (LBG) were named Large Employer of the Year. In their most recent intake of apprentices, LBG saw nearly 40% of all programme starts came from a multi-cultural background.

Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) won University of the Year for the second year running for their outstanding degree apprenticeships programme. Working with over 540 employers, MMU have paved the way in breaking down barriers and promoting social mobility, with over 40% of apprentices being the first generation in their family to go to university.

Graham Hasting-Evans; Chief Executive of educational charity NOCN Group was recognised for his Overall Contribution to Apprenticeships. NOCN is the first awarding organisation to be given the ‘Leader in Diversity’ award by the National Centre for Diversity, a leader in promoting equality for all in the UK and recognised by Ofqual, CCEA and the Welsh Government.

Apprentice of the Year 2023, Joseph Lennox

At the culmination of the evening, Joseph Lennox from HMRC was crowned Apprentice of the Year 2023 for his outstanding performance at work, combined with ambassadorial work and apprenticeships advocacy. Having developed a passion for politics during Sixth Form, Joseph discovered Civil Service policy apprenticeships whilst researching online and realised it was an ideal gateway into the world of politics where he could make a real difference. As a Senior Strategy Advisor his work has seen him involved in numerous projects within HM Revenue & Customs, including the development of policy for the Chancellor’s Spring Statement. Outside of his day-to-day role, Joseph is the Regional Lead for the HMRC Apprenticeship Network where he mentors new apprentices on their career journey, as well as being a governor for a local school.

Martyn Leader from Pearson TQ

Martyn Leader, Vice President of Pearson TQ, said: “Pearson is delighted to sponsor these important Awards for the fourth year. They are a chance to highlight the impact of apprenticeship programmes and acknowledge and celebrate the diverse range of learners entering the workforce and the employers who champion diversity and inclusion. Each winner has demonstrated remarkable dedication and resilience, and has embraced the opportunity to learn, to adapt, and to excel in their chosen field. I’d like to congratulate all the winners and nominees, and convey my thanks to the expert panel of judges who have dedicated their time and expertise to this important initiative.”