HIT Training Wins Award for Championing Social Mobility Through Apprenticeships

We are thrilled to announce that HIT Training Ltd has been recognised in the British Training Awards 2024 as ‘Apprenticeship Provider of the Year’ for our efforts in championing social mobility through apprenticeships.

Celebrating the organisations that are passionate about learning & development’s role in building a thriving workforce, HIT’s two groundbreaking initiatives over the last year were praised by judges for having a significant impact on social mobility.

The British Training Awards 2024 received over 300 entries from organisations across the UK, and the competition to be named a winner was particularly tough.

We are incredibly proud to be a winner!

Breaking new ground

In May 2023, the Department for Education selected HIT for a unique SEND exemption pilot which allowed learners who would not typically qualify for apprenticeships to embark on life changing learning journeys. The programme was a huge success and in March 2024, the Government announced that, following the success of the pilot, all training providers will now be able to offer the same exemptions to apprentices as a permanent initiative. 

Thanks to the pilot, learners with low English and maths proficiency levels and lacking evidence of special educational needs statements, can access apprenticeships by passing the lower level of Functional Skills English and maths at Entry Level 3. 

Making an impact

The impact of this initiative has been truly groundbreaking in opening up learning and development opportunities through apprenticeships. HIT currently has 136 learners on the programme with more undergoing eligibility assessments. These are learners who wouldn’t previously have had the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship. 

At HIT, every apprentice can meet with a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) to complete an assessment for learning needs and/or disabilities. Whenever support needs are identified, a specialist team works with apprentices to implement support requirements.

Furthermore, in the last year, 550 plus apprentices in receipt of an Education, Health and Care plan (EHCP) have achieved an apprenticeship qualification with HIT. This represents an outstanding 76% achievement rate. 

Few training providers provide this level of specialist learning and development support and personal success stories show its profound impact.

Leading the way in apprenticeships for prisoners

The second trailblazing initiative was the launch of HIT’s partnership with The Clink Charity to create an apprenticeship programme for serving prisoners. As the first of its kind, the scheme aims to equip prisoners with essential skills, including a minimum level of English and maths, and enhance their employability prospects while facilitating their reintegration into society upon release.

The programme, which “has the potential to transform people’s lives” according to Chief Executive of The Clink Charity Yvonne Thomas, offers hands-on training and access to relevant workplace qualifications. Already, the first prisoners are on board.

Nate Harwood, Founder of New Possible and British Training Awards judge said:

In a rapidly changing world, the need for an agile and resilient workforce has never been greater. It is talented, committed, and passionate L&D professionals who are meeting this challenge head-on, and the British Training Awards serves to recognise these inspiring individuals and teams. A huge congratulations to all the Winners and Finalists.

Firms taking part in the awards ranged from start-up innovators to public sector heroes, tech superstars, global titans and everything in between. Winners were revealed at a special celebration event in London, hosted by comedian Fiona Allen.