Championing Diversity in Apprenticeships: A CPD Case Study
CLIENT: University of Roehampton
December 2024
OBJECTIVES
The primary aim was to address unconscious biases, promote diversity and inclusion, and equip tutors with practical tools to create apprenticeship programmes that are equitable and accessible to all.
BACKGROUND
Roehampton University sought to enhance the inclusivity of their apprenticeship programmes. Recognising that unconscious biases and structural barriers can limit participation and progression for underrepresented groups, the university engaged me to deliver a CPD session to their tutors. The goal was to provide a mix of theoretical insights and actionable strategies to foster an inclusive learning environment.
The CPD sessions were delivered across two half-day sessions, designed to maximise engagement and impact while allowing ample time for reflection and interaction.
APPROACH
My delivery combined interactive learning with practical applications to ensure that participants left with both a deeper understanding of the challenges and clear steps to address them. The sessions were designed to create a safe and collaborative space, encouraging active participation and reflection.
Interactive Discussions: Facilitated open conversations to explore biases and share experiences.
Real-Life Examples: Presented case studies highlighting successful diversity and inclusion initiatives in similar contexts.
Practical Tools: Introduced strategies such as inclusive recruitment practices and methods to support underrepresented apprentices.
Group Activities: Conducted exercises to identify barriers and brainstorm solutions collaboratively.
Resource Sharing: Provided attendees with take-home resources to guide ongoing implementation.
RESULTS
Tutors left with actionable insights into embedding diversity and inclusion into their apprenticeship programmes.
Participants reported a greater awareness of unconscious biases and their impact on recruitment and training.
The interactive nature of the sessions fostered a stronger sense of community among tutors, encouraging collaboration in future efforts.
Feedback highlighted the practical value of the tools and strategies provided, with many tutors expressing plans to implement these immediately.
CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
"The CPD sessions delivered by [Your Name] were transformative for our team. The balance of theory, real-world examples, and interactive activities kept everyone engaged and left us with practical tools we could implement right away. The inclusive and approachable delivery style made complex topics accessible and inspired open, honest discussions. These sessions have been a game-changer in how we approach diversity and inclusion within our apprenticeship programmes."