The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance (Powered by Pathway Group) Patron meeting hosted by Lifetime Group at Mission Kitchen, London, marked a significant moment in the development of apprenticeships and skills across the UK. Attendees included senior leaders and stakeholders from across the apprenticeship, employability, and skills sectors who gathered to explore strategic updates and collaborative initiatives aimed at driving diversity and inclusion in apprenticeships.
Strategic Updates – Connecting the Dots.
A key focus of the event was the strategic updates presented by Jagdeep Soor, Executive Director of the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance and Pathway Group. One of the most exciting announcements was the launch of the Multicultural Apprentice Network. This network is set to provide a platform for apprentices from diverse backgrounds to share experiences, access mentoring, and grow their careers through a robust support system.
Jagdeep Soor also revealed details about the upcoming Apprenticeship Branding Conference – Engage, scheduled for 3rd April 2025. The event will focus on innovative strategies to increase the visibility and appeal of apprenticeships across all sectors. This conference aims to bring together apprenticeship professionals to discuss creative ways to promote apprenticeship opportunities to a wider, more diverse audience. Exploring innovative strategies for apprenticeships focused on building empowering engaging brands that connect and elevate.
Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 & Festival of Apprenticeships 2025
Kasim Choudhry, Executive Director Pathway Group & ThinkFest delivered an engaging presentation on two landmark events: the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 and the Festival of Apprenticeships 2025. The Awards, which have been a cornerstone of celebrating diverse talent in apprenticeships, will continue to highlight the exceptional work of apprentices, employers, and training providers across the UK.
Looking ahead, the Festival of Apprenticeships 2025 promises to be a nationwide celebration of apprenticeship opportunities, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and networking events designed to connect aspiring apprentices with employers, training providers, and industry leaders.
Path 2 Apprenticeship Programme
In line with its commitment to supporting individuals from all backgrounds in accessing apprenticeship opportunities, Pathway Group’s Path 2 Apprenticeship Programme was highlighted during the event. This programme aims to bridge the gap for individuals facing barriers to employment, providing them with the necessary skills and support to secure apprenticeship placements.
Networking Session: “Vibrant Voices: Amplifying Our Collaborative Impact”
The meeting featured a dynamic networking session titled “Vibrant Voices: Amplifying Our Collaborative Impact”, led by Helen Lee from the Institution of Employability Professionals (IEP.) This lively session guided our interactions sharing the positive impacts of being a patron. By the end, we had a wealth of insights on how to collaborate more effectively and amplify the value of our alliance for everyone involved. There were 2 questions asked.
1 – How can we elevate the impact of the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance through a collaborative approach?
2 – How can you support partnership development through collaborative activity – internally and externally to the Alliance?
This session provided a platform for patrons to engage in meaningful dialogue about the importance of collective efforts in shaping the future of the Alliance and apprenticeship programmes. Discussions centered around how partnerships across the Alliance and the sector can amplify the impact of diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring apprenticeships remain a key driver for social mobility.
Lifetime Group’s Overview and Patron Engagement
As part of the ‘Meet the Patron’ agenda item, colleagues from Lifetime Group delivered an excellent overview of the organisation’s contributions to apprenticeships and skills development. The presentation showcased Lifetime Group’s commitment to delivering high-quality training and highlighted its role in supporting learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve success in their careers.
Zayan Islam also gave an insightful and eloquent presentation into his apprenticeship journey with the Lifetime Group.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership as a Patron Member of the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance. Our organisations share a deep commitment to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to succeed. By working together, we can create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape that empowers individuals, fosters social mobility and help creates the workforce of tomorrow’’ Said David Smith, CEO Lifetime
Following this insightful session, attendees enjoyed a delicious lunch prepared by chef apprentices at the Mission Kitchen Chef Academy. The lunch provided a unique opportunity to witness first-hand the high standards of training being delivered by Lifetime Group to its apprentices.
Keynote Address: Vinay Parmar on Customer Experience, Brand, and “Vinsights”
The event’s keynote speaker, Vinay Parmar, delivered a thought-provoking and inspirational session on Customer Experience, Brand, and his personal insights, dubbed “Vinsights.” Parmar’s speech emphasized the importance of delivering exceptional customer experience and building strong, inclusive brands. He also shared personal anecdotes and professional wisdom, leaving attendees with actionable takeaways for improving their organizational impact in these areas.
Patron Cooking Activity
The day concluded with a fun and interactive patron cooking activity at the Mission Kitchen Chef Academy. Patrons had the chance to test their culinary skills, working alongside chef apprentices in a collaborative cooking session. This unique activity highlighted the creativity and talent of the chef apprentices being trained at the academy.
A Commitment to Future Collaboration
The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance Patron Meeting was a resounding success, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and excellence in apprenticeship and skills development. The Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance continues to lead the way in creating meaningful change in the sector.Always in Collaboration & Never in Competition
Safaraz Ali, Founder & CEO of the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance and Pathway Group said “The success of the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance Patron meeting is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. Bringing together leaders from across the sector allows us to amplify our collective impact, ensuring that diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. The passion, commitment, and innovative ideas shared today reaffirm our mission to create equitable opportunities for apprentices from all backgrounds, and I am excited about the future initiatives that will drive this change forward.”
“The Patron meeting was an incredible success, bringing together key voices from across the apprenticeship and skills sector to drive forward our shared goals of diversity and inclusion. The launch of the Multicultural Apprentice Network and our upcoming events like the Apprenticeship Branding Conference reflect our commitment to creating real change. The energy and enthusiasm at this meeting were inspiring, and it’s clear that by working collaboratively, we can build a future where every apprentice, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive,” said Jagdeep Soor, Executive Director of the Multicultural Apprenticeship & Skills Alliance and Pathway Group.
