National conference addresses EDI in Apprenticeships

As national conversations around Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) become increasingly polarised, the University of Wolverhampton is reinforcing its commitment to these principles within its Strategy 2035 and apprenticeship growth strategy.

This commitment will be the focus of the University's flagship apprenticeship conference, "Part of the Pack," on Wednesday 21 May 2025, at the National Brownfields Institute (NBI), Springfield Campus.

This significant event will gather prominent national figures, influential industry leaders, and internal advocates to explore the crucial role of inclusive practices as both an ethical necessity and a key driver of organisational success.

Despite growing debate questioning the value of EDI and increasing concerns about freedom of speech, the University of Wolverhampton is emphasising its unwavering support for inclusion as a strategic imperative. Research indicates that diverse teams demonstrate improved decision-making, enhanced innovation, and reduced groupthink. Inclusive workplaces are also proven to attract and retain talent, empowering individuals to flourish. This philosophy underpins the "Part of the Pack" conference.

It is important to be clear: inclusion and free speech are not in opposition—they are fundamentally connected. True inclusion creates the conditions where more voices are heard, where respectful challenge is welcomed, and where dialogue can thrive. Inclusive spaces are not about silencing views but about ensuring all individuals have the opportunity to speak and be listened to.

"This conference rightly underscores that fostering genuine inclusion isn't about limiting expression, but rather about creating an environment where a wider range of voices can contribute and be heard, enriching our understanding and driving innovation," commented Adam Vasco, Director of Diversity & Inclusion in Professional Practice.

While national data from the Department for Education (2023) indicates that only 13.2% of apprenticeship starts in 2022/23 were from global majority backgrounds, the University of Wolverhampton is actively working to address this. Through targeted employer engagement strategies, the university has increased its ethnically diverse representation within its apprenticeship population from 17% to 21% over the past three years.

However, the University acknowledges that this progress still does not fully reflect the diversity of the region. According to the 2021 Census (ONS, 2021), 38.6% of West Midlands residents and 39.5% of Wolverhampton’s population identify as belonging to global majority groups. Notably, the university’s wider student population already reflects this reality, with 50% of students identifying as from Global Majority backgrounds. This conference serves as both a celebration of the progress made and a candid acknowledgment of the work that remains.

While the primary focus is on apprenticeships, the overarching message of "Part of the Pack" is that inclusion is a universal imperative. The conference agenda is designed for leaders, educators, employers, and allies committed to fostering bold, brave, and future-ready workplaces and learning environments.

Event highlights include presentations from Scarlett Allen-Horton, BBC The Apprentice finalist, entrepreneur, and prominent EDI advocate. Nate Watson, Rapper, University alumnus, and experienced equity consultant, and Dr Melanie Best, Leading voice in disability inclusion, as well as Aaminah Ahmed, Multicultural Apprentice of the Year with the event hosted by Calvin Eden from Loudspeaker. There will also be panel discussions featuring Jagdeep Soor (Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance), Julian Smith, Charmain Clayton, and others, alongside a bespoke "Speak Easy" Workshop aimed at empowering apprentices with public speaking confidence.

Interest in "Part of the Pack" is expanding beyond the traditional apprenticeship sector, underscoring the increasing recognition of the importance of inclusive practices. For those committed to building inclusive teams, driving meaningful culture change, and aligning strategy with values, this conference presents a vital opportunity.

This event represents more than just a conference; it signifies a commitment to lead, to listen, and to cultivate teams where everyone can thrive.

Invitation to the national conference.

Places are limited and filling quickly. Interested individuals are encouraged to register or contact Amy Allen at amy.allen@wlv.ac.uk for further information.

Event address

National Brownfield Institute, Springfield Campus, University of Wolverhampton, Grimstone Street, Wolverhampton, WV10 0JP