A Decade of Change: Building an Inclusive Future Through Apprenticeships
At Pathway Group, we believe in the power of apprenticeships to drive change, to uplift individuals, and to transform communities. The 10th Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards marked not just a milestone, but a movement-one that champions social mobility, opportunity, and collective progress.
As we brought the Awards to London for the very first time, we were reminded of how far we’ve come. More than 780 people gathered in the capital, a city symbolic of diversity and ambition, to celebrate a shared commitment: building a future that works for everyone.
Our ethos at Pathway Group has always been simple but unwavering-“We don’t just support talent. We elevate it.” This year’s Awards reflected just that. With over 500 nominations and 152 apprentices shortlisted alongside 44 employers, 14 learning providers, 8 universities, and 8 schools, the stories shared were nothing short of inspirational.
We believe that social mobility is not a statistic, but a journey-powered by opportunity, fuelled by community, and achieved through partnerships. The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards is one such platform where this vision comes alive. From underrepresented backgrounds to boardrooms and breakthroughs, we are proud to spotlight the real stories of resilience, grit, and ambition.
“We were inspired by one simple truth: more must be done.”
That’s what led to the creation of the Awards a decade ago. Apprenticeships were still seen as ‘Plan B’, a secondary option. But we challenged that. We listened, we looked at the data, and we recognised that the system needed more relatable role models-apprentices who could speak for themselves. Our message was clear: apprenticeships are not second choice, they are the choice.
Through our brands-The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, Multicultural Apprentice Network, the Festival of Apprenticeships, the Apprenticeship Branding Conference, and the Apprenticeship Diversity & Social Mobility Forum-we are building an ecosystem that drives visibility, equity, and value in the apprenticeship space.
This year, we saw game-changing innovations. Apprentices like Aliea Mahmood from Great Ormond Street Hospital, who pioneered an AI model predicting kidney failure. Zain Ali Khan, leading a 100+ team at McDonald’s at just 21. Adesewa Adetoro of Microsoft, a neurodiverse changemaker pushing inclusion in tech. These are not just success stories-they are blueprints for the future.
Larger household organisations such as AstraZeneca, BT Group, Lloyds Banking Group and Pearsonhave not just supported the vision, they’ve amplified it. Their commitment to early careers, diverse pipelines, and inclusive employer branding is pivotal.
"Social mobility is central to everything we do."
“Real impact happens when employer brands speak with authenticity, live their values, and build workplaces where people belong.” That’s what we promote through our Apprenticeship Branding Conference series-AMPLIFY, ENGAGE, and our forthcoming event, INCLUDE.
Social mobility is central to everything we do. We’re creating space where the first in the family to do an apprenticeship stands proud. Where mentors matter. Where pathways open doors. Where inclusion is not a policy-it’s a practice.
This milestone reminds us that we have built more than an awards ceremony-we’ve built a movement. One driven by a passionate team, unwavering partners, and apprentices who dare to lead.
A quote from our founder safaraz ali
“We started with conversations. And to this day, everything still starts with a conversation. So let’s talk. Let’s act. Let’s build together.”
Join us. Support the movement. Be part of the solution.
Because when we work together, when we share opportunity and believe in potential-things happen.