The awards will also raise the profile of employers and training providers across the UK, who are championing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

“NOCN Group are proud to be supporting the awards in 2020, as we have been involved for a number of years now and the standard of nominations never ceases to amaze us. There are so many fantastic success stories which need to be shouted about in the Apprenticeships sector, and the awards gives us the platform to really make a difference by raising awareness.

The BAME Apprenticeship Awards, evolved from the Asian Apprenticeship Awards, which launched in 2016 and to date has engaged with over 1000 apprentices from BAME backgrounds across the UK. In the last four years, the awards have created over 200 role models, who have been able to use their success as a platform to celebrate their achievements in their apprenticeship.

The awards have also been instrumental in creating future leaders and ambassadors for Apprenticeships and brought to the forefront key issues surrounding the need for more diversity within particular sectors.

Winning employers have showcased their diversity and inclusion strategies and how it’s helped them to shape an inclusive and diverse work environment as best practice examples for other organisations to follow suit.

“We feel that Awards are the most effective means of inspiring excellence and sharing best practice, as well as creating role models and providing more opportunities for those involved. We hope that by showcasing great BAME talent we can encourage more employers to be more inclusive.” says Kasim Choudhry director of Thinkfest.

Nominations are now open, with several industry-specific categories for both apprentices and employers, as well as specific awards for learning providers, schools and academies.

The BAME Apprenticeship Awards features the following categories which are open to both apprentices and employers:

• Financial Legal and Professional Services
• Health Medical and Social Care
• Retail Hospitality and Tourism
• Charity, Voluntary organisations and Public Services
• Construction
• Engineering and Manufacturing
• Creative and Digital
• Transport and Logistics
• Small and Medium Employer of the Year
• Large Employer of the Year
• Learning Provider of the Year

To apply online visit: www.BAMEApprenticeshipAwards.co.uk