Exeter’s degree apprenticeships win Diversity and Inclusion award
Exeter's degree apprenticeship team picks up the award
The University of Exeter’s degree apprenticeship programmes have won in the Diversity and Inclusion category at this year’s Apprenticeships and Training Awards.
The award recognises Exeter’s distinctive approach to degree apprenticeships, with a focus on social mobility, widening access to Higher Education and ensuring success for all – particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Exeter’s efforts to integrate sustainability practices into the delivery of degree apprenticeship programmes also saw it Highly Commended in the Sustainability in Training and Apprenticeships category.
Rachael Johnstone, Director of the Centre for Degree Partnerships at the University of Exeter, was at the awards ceremony and was delighted with the outcome. She said: “It’s hugely satisfying that our work to break down barriers to success and progression has been recognised in this way, and I congratulate all the members of our dedicated team.
“Each and every apprentice at Exeter receives individual support to ensure there are no attainment gaps across the diverse demographics of our apprenticeship programmes.
“Our work with employers – guided by principles of fair access, inclusivity, collaboration and partnership, and evidence-based practice – has helped us to develop innovative and inclusive recruitment strategies, which has led to a substantial increase in participation from members of underrepresented groups.”
Exeter has more than 3,000 apprentices enrolled on degree apprenticeship programmes and the largest portfolio of programmes of any Russell Group learning provider, as well as a dedicated Centre for Degree Partnerships where it works with more than 400 employer partners to increase access to Higher Education, address skills gaps and build more diverse workforces.
The ATC awards, which are run by FE Week and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP), drew in 600 nominations for providers, individuals and employers across 20 categories, with the winners announced at a gala dinner at Liverpool Exhibition Centre.
The awards win follows a parliamentary reception during National Apprenticeships Week last month, where all the finalists were honoured at a reception in the Houses of Parliament, hosted by the Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Finalists were selected by a 20-strong panel of judges, including AELP’s CEO Ben Rowland, apprenticeship influencer Holly Hobbs, former skills minister Anne Milton and UCAS head of apprenticeships Lindsay Conroy.
Shane Mann, chief executive of FE Week’s publisher EducationScape and chair of the ATA judging panel, congratulated the winners, saying they were “proof of the dedicated professionals in the sector and the excellent work that puts apprentices front and centre of their provision”.
