Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards:
Celebrating Talent & Diversity

In 2016, Safaraz Ali founded the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards with a vision to transform the narrative around apprenticeships within multicultural communities. Formerly known as the Asian Apprenticeship Awards and then BAME Apprenticeship Awards which is the name that was adopted until 2021.

The Awards aims to celebrate the triumphs of individuals in their apprenticeship journey as well as recognising the crucial contributions of employers, learning providers & other stakeholders.

The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards stand as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of storytelling. Through celebration, truth, and inspiration, this initiative charts a course toward a brighter, more inclusive future in vocational training, where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated and empowered.

We believe in diversity and equality

In 2016 following reforms for vocational training and apprenticeships, a target was set to increase the diversity of apprenticeships. As a result of this announcement, we carried out some of our own research into apprenticeships to try and identify barriers causing a low uptake of apprenticeships from BAME individuals.

Our findings were that several factors contributed to this, some which focussed on apprenticeships themselves and others around diversity. From our research we found that:

Apprenticeships were seen negatively and often for people with limited or no choice
There was a lack of understanding of apprenticeships by young people and in particular their parents and guardian.
More focus and pressure was being put on going to university by many communities and in particular the BAME communities
There was no positive relatable Apprentice role-models

We used this as the basis for us to set up the Awards because we felt that an Awards would be the most effective means of inspiring excellence and sharing best practice as well as creating more opportunities for those involved.

Empowering Diversity: The Evolution of Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards

At the heart of our endeavours lies the firm belief that stories have the power to reshape perceptions and break down barriers. Our focus on transformation aligns with the core principle of better stories, seeking to redefine opportunities for BAME individuals and challenge pre-existing stereotypes.

The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards have become more than just an acknowledgment of achievement; they are a driving force for change. Each story told is a call to action, urging the audience to contribute actively to the cause. Whether through increased awareness, advocacy, or the creation of new opportunities, our initiative inspires a collective effort towards a brighter, more inclusive apprenticeship landscape.

Direct words from Safaraz Ali

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of apprenticeships. I firmly believe that talent exists everywhere—but often opportunities do not. This belief was the driving force behind the creation of the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards in 2016 (originally known as the Asian Apprenticeship Awards and then BAME Apprenticeship Awards). My vision was clear: to change the narrative around apprenticeships, particularly within multicultural communities, ensuring they are celebrated, visible, and inclusive.

Despite significant progress, apprenticeships within multicultural communities still face misconceptions, stereotypes, and limited visibility. Historically, apprenticeships were often viewed as a secondary option, particularly among diverse communities where traditional academic routes dominate. Our mission has been to disrupt this perception and champion apprenticeships as prestigious, meaningful, and highly rewarding pathways.

My ambition for these awards was not only to celebrate the successes of outstanding apprentices but also to recognise the pivotal role employers and learning providers play in creating inclusive apprenticeship opportunities. Our awards address a real need for positive role models and visible success stories, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations.

Celebrating Role Models and First-Generation Apprentices

We believe passionately in the power of relatable role models. Apprentices themselves are the best ambassadors for apprenticeships—they showcase what’s possible, overcome stereotypes, and provide proof that apprenticeships are not just careers but transformative life choices.

A powerful aspiration we hold is for “I’m the first in my family to be an apprentice” to become a common phrase of pride. This statement reflects the potential apprenticeships have to change generational trajectories and empower individuals and their families alike.

The Crucial Role of Employers

Employers are not just part of the story; they are central to it. We often say:

“Great businesses nurture and develop great apprentices—and great apprentices ensure great businesses remain great.”

Employers who invest in apprenticeships gain a diverse, skilled workforce capable of driving innovation, productivity, and long-term success. The Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards highlight and honour businesses demonstrating genuine commitment to developing diverse talent, creating inclusive workplaces, and recognising that diversity is a key strength in modern business.

Strategic Partnerships and Collaborations

Collaboration and partnerships are central to our strategy. We engage closely with learning providers, employers, government agencies, and community organisations. Our awards are not just about recognition but also about advocacy, awareness-raising, and influencing policy. We actively encourage stakeholders to join us in building a more equitable apprenticeship landscape.

Q&A with Chris Walker, MD of Expressive Design

Chris W: Safaraz, I have heard you and understand the reason you founded these awards but for those that may not have – please briefly explain your “why?”

Safaraz Ali: Chris, apprenticeships hold immense power to transform lives however there largely invisible or misunderstood in certain communities. These awards celebrate diversity, showcase role models, and drive real change in perceptions. We are aspiring for more and more people to proudly say, ‘I’m the first in my family to be an apprentice.

Chris W: You often emphasise the role of apprentices themselves—why is this important?

Safaraz Ali: The best people to promote apprenticeships are apprentices themselves. Authentic stories from apprentices resonate deeply—they break stereotypes, challenge misconceptions, and inspire others to follow suit.

Chris W: What’s your message to employers about apprenticeships?

Safaraz Ali: Great businesses nurture and develop great apprentices. Investing in apprenticeships isn’t just socially responsible; it’s strategically beneficial. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and resilience. They keep great businesses thriving.

Chris W: I am aware you were pioneers—and were the first movers to champion diversity and inclusion specifically within apprenticeships, what else would you say sets you apart?

Safaraz Ali: Thanks Chris, we were fortunate to be among the first to actively focus on diversity and inclusion specifically within apprenticeships. Some say we weren’t just the first for to create an awards event in this niche; we ignited a movement. Early on, we received invaluable support from influential voices, policymakers, and thought leaders who believed deeply in our vision. But beyond just the awards, we’ve worked hard to build a broader ecosystem and that sets us apart – the extensive ecosystem we’ve developed -this is bigger than the awards ceremony itself. We’ve built a robust network of employers, apprentices, educators, and industry leaders who actively collaborate to drive real, tangible change. We provide resources, share best practices, and actively influence policy decisions. Ultimately, it’s this thriving community and the shared mission of making apprenticeships inclusive, prestigious, and transformative for everyone involved that sets us apart.

Chris W: Final Question Saf, what’s your vision for the future of these awards?

Safaraz Ali: Inshallah, our vision is to continue growing this movement, embedding diversity and inclusion into the heart of apprenticeships. I want every person, particularly from multicultural backgrounds, to see apprenticeships as a first choice and more and more people to declare that they are the first in their family to do an apprenticeship. A message to apprentices, employers, learning providers, and policymakers alike: Join us in building a brighter future, where diversity in apprenticeships is celebrated, opportunities are equitable, and role models inspire generations to come. Please reach out and let’s talk.

Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards: Celebrating Talent & Diversity