Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance Patron Meeting Advances Diversity and Inclusion in Apprenticeships
The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, powered by Pathway Group and founded by Safaraz Ali in 2017, held a landmark Patron meeting at London’s Mission Kitchen. This event underscored the Alliance’s commitment to championing diversity and inclusion in the UK apprenticeship sector, bringing together influential leaders dedicated to advancing skills and employability for diverse communities.
Setting the Vision: Collaboration and Inclusion
Under Safaraz Ali’s leadership and social entrepreneurship principles, and strengthened by the addition of Jagdeep Soor in 2022, the Alliance has evolved into a pivotal driver of change. In the event’s opening remarks, the Alliance highlighted the collective power of shared goals and the ongoing mission to ensure diversity and inclusion are central to apprenticeships.
Jagdeep Soor, Executive Director of the Alliance, presented the Multicultural Apprentice Network—an innovative initiative offering apprentices from diverse backgrounds a dedicated support system with access to mentorship, career resources, and peer networking. Soor also shared a preview of the Apprenticeship Branding Conference – Engage, set for 3 April 2025, which will unite industry leaders to strategize around promoting apprenticeships to a broad, diverse audience.
Major Events and Key Programmes to Drive Impact
Kasim Choudhry, Executive Director of Pathway Group & Events Director at ThinkFest, introduced two significant events: the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 and the Festival of Apprenticeships 2025. Both events are foundational to the Alliance’s outreach, celebrating the achievements of apprentices, employers, and providers while fostering connections between aspiring apprentices and industry stakeholders.
Additionally, the Path 2 Apprenticeship Programme was highlighted as part of the Alliance’s commitment to breaking down employment barriers. This programme equips individuals from diverse backgrounds with the necessary skills and support, empowering them to secure meaningful apprenticeships.
Amplifying Voices through Collaborative Dialogue
Patron Spotlight: Lifetime Group’s Commitment to Inclusivity
Keynote on Brand Building and Culinary Collaboration
A key segment led by Helen Lee from the Institution of Employability Professionals titled “Vibrant Voices: Amplifying Our Collaborative Impact” engaged patrons in discussions around expanding the Alliance’s reach through strategic collaboration. This dialogue emphasized the importance of partnerships in driving diversity and inclusion within the sector.
As part of the ‘Meet the Patron’ agenda, Lifetime Group presented its dedication to supporting diverse learners on their career paths. David Smith, CEO of Lifetime, emphasized the organization’s shared values with the Alliance: “Our partnership reflects our commitment to an inclusive educational landscape, where skills and opportunities are accessible to all.” An inspiring testimony from apprentice Zayan Islam highlighted the importance of quality training and mentorship in achieving career success.
The event also featured a keynote by Vinay Parmar on brand inclusivity and customer experience, providing actionable insights for attendees. The day concluded with an interactive cooking session, where patrons collaborated with chef apprentices at Mission Kitchen Chef Academy, showcasing the high standard of training and talent within these apprenticeships.
A Unified Commitment to Future Progress
Today’s Patron meeting underscores the strength of collaboration in shaping a more equitable apprenticeship landscape. The commitment and vision shared by all attendees inspire our mission to continue creating impactful opportunities for all.
Safaraz Ali, CEO And Founder of Pathway Group and the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance, Reflecting on the meeting
With initiatives like the Multicultural Apprentice Network and our upcoming Apprenticeship Branding Conference, we are deeply committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, working toward a future where every apprentice has the opportunity to excel.
Jagdeep Soor, Executive Director at Pathway Group and the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance
The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance, supported by Pathway Group, remains at the forefront of apprenticeship innovation, breaking barriers and fostering a diverse workforce for the UK’s future.