Nyarai Dzirambe-chaparadza

The rollout of Degree Apprenticeships in UK universities brought hope for inclusion from those of Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and other racialised backgrounds. Despite the initiative, concerns persist and statistics highlight the recurring diversity gap in BAME Degree apprenticeships, particularly women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and younger BAME populations. There have been strategies, approaches, and frameworks that the government have previously proposed and implemented, however some of these have faltered.

This research employees a mixed method approach, with BAME individuals currently enrolled and recently completed their in DA programs, to capture their narratives and experiences. It integrates social theories, including Critical Race Theory (CRT)’s key concepts: Intersectionality and Critical Race Pedagogy, and seeks to deepen the understanding of the diversity gap in DA. The focus of this presentation is to highlight the interplay between lived experiences of BAME apprentices employees.

The findings will contribute to addressing the lack of representation of BAME voices and views in existing research, ultimately informing strategies to enhance employer value, skill growth, and diversity of degree apprenticeships within educational institutions and the workforce. By centering Race and Ethnicity Theoretical Perspectives, this study aims to shed a light on the persisting disparities in DA, promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for BAME individuals.