Exeter wins University of the Year at Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

The University of Exeter has been named University of the Year 2024 at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards in recognition of its efforts to drive social mobility through degree apprenticeships.

At an awards ceremony in Birmingham, the University of Exeter was singled out for the distinctive approach it takes to degree apprenticeships, with a focus on social mobility, widening access to Higher Education and ensuring success for all – particularly those from underrepresented and multicultural backgrounds.

There was also success for the nine University of Exeter apprentice finalists, with TUI’s Senior People Professional apprentice Miranda Simms crowned Apprentice of the Year in the Retail, Hospitality, and Tourism category, and Amazon’s Chartered Manager apprentices Beril Uzun and Boubacar Diallo receiving ‘Highly Commended’ in the Transport and Logistics category. 

Through degree apprenticeships, Exeter works in collaboration with employer partners to provide degree programmes that combine academic excellence with real-world work experience.

Exeter has almost 3,000 apprentices enrolled on degree apprenticeship programmes and the largest portfolio of programmes of any Russell Group learning provider, with apprentices studying everything from radiography to financial services.

In 2023, the University of Exeter opened a dedicated Centre for Degree Partnerships as it works closely with over 400 employer partners to increase access to Higher Education, address skills gaps and build more diverse workforces.

Rachael Johnstone, Dean of Professional Education and Partnerships and Director of the Centre for Degree Apprenticeships at the University of Exeter, said: “This award recognises our deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in our apprenticeship programmes.

“Guided by our strategic principles — diversity, fair access, inclusivity, a whole student lifecycle approach, collaboration and partnership, and evidence-based practice — we work to break down barriers to success and progression, and our close collaboration with employer partners has helped us to develop innovative and inclusive recruitment strategies, leading to a substantial increase in multicultural representation.”

The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards aim to showcase talent and diversity within multicultural communities and celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the contribution of employers and learning providers.

Previous Exeter apprentices who have won at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards include Mamadou Kone, who won last year in the Transport and Logistics category, and Champika Dona, a 2021 winner in the Health, Medical and Social Care category.