Hallam degree apprentice ‘delighted’ to be shortlisted for BAME award

27th August 2020

A Sheffield Hallam degree apprentice studying on the University’s programme with Morrisons has been shortlisted for an award that celebrates black and minority ethnic apprentices.

Hafsa Ali, who is currently two years through her Morrisons Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship at Sheffield Hallam, has been shortlisted in the Judges Choice Category at the BAME Apprenticeship Awards 2020.

The awards showcase the outstanding work and achievement apprentices from black and minority ethnic groups (BAME) and inspires BAME apprentices to reach their full potential.

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

Hafsa said:

“Being a finalist for this award is something I am extremely delighted by. My journey to becoming an apprentice began when I was in college, where a teacher of mine introduced me to the concept of apprenticeships.

“From then to now, Morrisons has pushed me to my limits and allowed me grow so much in just under two years. The company has given me the confidence at the age of 21 to manage a team of over 40 colleagues, 5 team leaders and simultaneously becoming a mentor for them all.

“I would love to be given the chance to challenge the negativity surrounding apprenticeships, express my story and inspire others to go down this route. I want to be part of the BAME mission to increase diversity of apprenticeships by 20% and can help do this by raising awareness.”

Degree apprenticeships take a work-based blended learning approach with modules delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face lectures, class-based and online seminars, practical work and site visits.

Sheffield Hallam University delivers one of the widest ranging selection of degree apprenticeships, working with over 270 employers to deliver courses in sectors including construction, engineering, health and social care and leadership and management.

After their inception in 2015, the University has gone on to welcome more than 1,000 apprentices, a milestone that was marked earlier this year.

Emma Cooksley, early careers manager at Morrisons said:

“We are delighted that Hafsa has been recognised for her efforts.

“The degree apprenticeship has given her a chance to thrive and her success shows how beneficial the programme can be to develop the next generation of leaders at Morrisons.”

Kasim Choudhry, director of Thinkfest, the events organisation that run the awards, said:

“Hafsa was shortlisted for the Judges Choice awards because she has excelled in her apprenticeship and has challenged the social norm in her community by going against the grain and choosing an apprenticeship as a career path.

“She is a role model to other young people within her community and offer value to others where possible.”

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in November.