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University apprenticeship scheme recognised at Department for Education awards

Rebecca Scott MBE, Head of Apprenticeships and Employment Outreach (left), with Niah Rhoden-Edwards, Projects Officer (Employability and Opportunities), at the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024

Laboratory Technician Apprentice Idman Abdullahi Mohamed (left) and Internal Auditor Apprentice Charlotte Facer

The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024

Press release issued: 28 November 2024

The University of Bristol’s “amazing apprentices” have been praised after the University made the finals of the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2024.

The University had already won the regional finals in the category ‘The Aptem Social Justice Employer of the Year Award’, which earned it a place in the national finals last night at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London.

Although they missed out on the top spot, the team were able to showcase the eXcelBristol Apprentices programme on the national stage, and also met Secretary of State for Education, the Rt. Hon. Bridget Phillipson.

Apprenticeships help attract and develop new talent from diverse backgrounds to the University, creating entry level careers opportunities for a wide range of people.

The University launched eXcelBristol Apprentices in 2019 and has so far welcomed 55 apprentices in areas as varied as laboratories, workshops, IT and financial services.

Around half have moved into permanent roles at the University, with some taking on degrees alongside their work.

Rebecca Scott MBE, Head of Apprenticeships and Employment Outreach at the University of Bristol, said setting up and leading the apprenticeship scheme was “one of the most rewarding experiences that I have been blessed to have”.

She said: “We had a lovely night meeting with exceptionally talented apprentices and the employers who support them.

“From a business proposal to business as usual, I am so proud of what we have achieved and I am grateful for having the opportunity to play a part in so many people's career journey.

“Apprenticeships are such a great tool to widen access to employment and further education.”

Idman Abdullahi Mohamed, a Laboratory Technician Apprentice at the University of Bristol, said her apprenticeship has been “one of the most valuable opportunities I’ve had”.

She added: “The best part of my apprenticeship is the balance of theory and practical skills I gain through my coursework, which has helped me grow both technically and professionally.”

Charlotte Facer, an Internal Auditor Apprentice at the University of Bristol, said: “I’ve been learning the theory that underpins my discipline and the practical skills that support my daily work, and I’ve recently achieved Certified Internal Auditor status.”

The University’s Chief People Officer James Bigwood has pledged that apprentices will make up 1% of the University’s workforce by 2025.

Mr Bigwood said: “A huge well done to Rebecca and everyone who has worked so hard to make our apprenticeship programme the success that it is. I am thrilled to see all of that hard work paying off with this welcome recognition from the Department for Education.

“Finally, a big thank you to our talented apprentices, who bring so much to our University community.”

Prof Evelyn Welch, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, said: “It is fantastic to see our amazing staff and apprentices recognised by the Department for Education.

“Our apprenticeship programme opens doors to new talent from a wide range of backgrounds, and we are proud of the impact the apprentices make at our University."

The other finalists in The Aptem Social Justice Employer of the Year Award were BAE Systems Plc, Broxtowe Borough Council, Kier Group, Labcorp, UK Power Network. The winner was BAE Systems.

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