FE Sector come together to celebrate Diversity in Apprenticeships at the BAME Apprenticeship Awards.
Last night over 500 people came together in person at the BAME Apprentice Network Annual Apprenticeship Awards in partnership with Pearson which showcase BAME talent, their employers and learning providers. The event was the largest in person gathering to take place post pandemic for the sector with organisations like AELP, Amazing Apprenticeships, NCFE and NOCN in attendance.
The event was also attended by a large umber of employers including British Army, Royal Navy and RAF, as well as Lloyds Banking Group, Virgin Media, Severn Trent, EY and many more. The event showcased the depth and breath of apprenticeship opportunities available to learners and diverse people that striving through the opportunity.
The evening started with an opening speech from Andy Street Metro Mayor for the West Midlands, who spoke about the importance of apprenticeships and its role in the UKs recovery out of the pandemic. We also heard from Claire Rogers acting senior VP for Pearson and also the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education’s strategy director Rachel Cooper, who both stressed on the importance of having more diversity in apprenticeships and the need to recognise outstanding talent.
“The team have worked really hard this year to make this event happen and we are so happy that people have finally been able to come together to celebrate apprenticeships. The recent challenges around the shortage of truck drivers, hospitality workers and care staff tell just how important it is to upskill our workforce and in doing so apprenticeships will be the way forward.” Kasim Choudhry, Managing Director, BAME Apprentice Network
Last year’s awards were held online, however the organiser ThinkFest used this year’s awards as opportunity to present the 2020 award winners with their awards ensuring no one was left out.
This year saw a large range of individuals awarded for their excellence with the overall apprentice of the year award going to Justina Blair of NatWest who is completing a Digital and Technology Solutions apprenticeship with BPP University. The judges said that Justina shows a real passion for the women in STEM agenda and clearly works hard to inspire others in innovative ways.
There was also special recognition for Aston University as the awards launched a new category called University of the Year. As more and more universities enter the apprenticeship space and play a more leading role in the sector, the judges felt it was important to highlight the important work and contribution they are making.
About Pearson
Pearson is the world’s learning company with more than 24,000 employees operating in 70 countries.
It combines world-class educational content and assessment, powered by services and technology, to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale. Pearson believes that wherever learning flourishes so do people.
About BAME Apprentice Network
Building a diverse community of Apprentices, Employers and Learning Providers.
The BAME Apprentice Network is a force for change in the Further Education and Early Careers sector, empowering apprentices to develop personally and professionally while supporting employers and learning providers in improving their diversity in apprenticeships.
The primary focus of the organisation is to bring organisations operating the FE sector together to share best practice and close the diversity gap in apprenticeships. The network helps to bring apprentices together from diverse backgrounds to challenge the issues facing BAME participation in apprenticeships. As well advocating for apprenticeships the network offers organisations the opportunity to post jobs on their dedicated jobs board that market the opportunities to diverse communities.
About ThinkFest
As well as working with partners to deliver their events, we organise our own events, operating in niche specialist areas and having a collaborative approach to working.
With over 15 years’ experience in the industry, we pride ourselves on true partnerships, working with an understanding of the “end in mind”. We take things personally, offering professionalism, quality, and credibility at the heart of what we do, with an innovative approach to working.
Currently, our team operates a number of annual awards ceremonies, conferences and exhibitions, as well as hundreds of business and professional networking events. We believe events are the single most effective means for organisations to engage with their customers and business community. Award ceremonies offer opportunities to inspire excellence and raise awareness of specific causes and industries.
