Join us for a conversation with Caren Alderwick, Head of Apprenticeships and Operational Training at Cross Country Trains, who shares her remarkable journey with the company and her passion for education.
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Join us for Safaraz Ali's conversation with Jay Phillips, Head of Business Engagement at ATHE. They explore the dynamic partnership between ATHE and Pathway Group. Jay shares his journey from key account manager to his current role, emphasizing the importance of building strong B2B relationships with training providers and educational centres. We also find out how ATHE's global presence and offerings in vocational qualifications from Levels 3 to 7 serve as vital pathways to higher education. Safaraz and Jay also talk about Jay's passion for global cultures and how travel transitioned into a fulfilling career in education. They also talk about ATHE's collaborations with universities such as Bangor University and De Montfort University. These partnerships provide flexibility and opportunities for students, especially in challenging times when many universities face deficits.

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With roots as a cordon bleu chef and experience in managing a bustling restaurant, Alex ventured into corporate life, where his passion for business transformation flourished. Bridging the gap between vocational training and traditional academia, Alex discusses the evolving landscape and how ATHE has strategically positioned itself as a leader in the field. Emphasising the value of opportunistic partnerships and the empowerment of learners through technology, he shares how these initiatives have enhanced ATHE's presence both in the UK and globally. As universities increasingly recognise the merit of vocational pathways, Alex highlights the importance of flexibility and being prepared to seize emerging opportunities, a strategy that has fuelled ATHE's success.

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In this weeks episode we continue to discover the inspiring transformation of Sophie Azam, who transitioned from a civil servant to a vibrant grassroots leader. Her hands-on leadership style and embrace of digital platforms like TikTok and Shopify are helping to reshape the UK economy. Sophie shares her incredible journey, marked by resilience in the face of rejection, culminating in impactful partnerships, such as those with Think Rise by Barclays. Her story is an ode to perseverance and community-cantered entrepreneurship, offering invaluable lessons for budding entrepreneurs.

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Trailblazing entrepreneur Sophie Azam joins us to share her inspiring journey from the daughter of Pakistani immigrants to a pioneering force in Birmingham's business landscape. With a deep-rooted passion for education and a mission to integrate entrepreneurship into the British education system, Sophie recounts the creation of Ignite Qualifications—a venture born out of the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her story is not just about building a company; it's a testament to the power of resilience, diversity, and redefining success through alternative education.

Sophie’s innovative mindset extends to Skills 4 Startups, the UK's first mobile business school dedicated to reducing the staggeringly high failure rates of startups. Her goal? To empower 100,000 startups by 2034. We look at the unique challenges faced by solo entrepreneurs and discuss the creative ways to overcome them, inspired by the journeys of iconic entrepreneurs like Richard Branson. Sophie reveals how managing energy levels and fostering a supportive network can transform the often daunting entrepreneurial journey into a thriving endeavour.

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Derrin Kent and Safaraz Ali look at how to shift you perspective on AI tools in coaching as they explore the balance between automation and the human touch. While AI-generated content might lack personal warmth, the presence of mentors and coaches in the workplace remains invaluable. They talk about how AI tools like ChatGPT and Co-Pilot can revolutionise routine tasks with personalised insights and efficient email summarisation, making them powerful allies rather than mere shortcuts. Derrin and Saf also discuss a variety of prompt engineering frameworks, including a sneak peek into the ROSES model, promising future discussions that will align with the ROPE framework.

https/://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460207/co-intelligence-by-mollick-ethan/9780753560778
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In the first part of this two-part conversation, we explore the transformative power of AI in education and the workplace, with Derrin Kent from TDM Limited returning to share his insights on the evolving landscape of apprenticeships and AI's revolutionary role. From enhancing learning with GPT tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, to envisioning future skills in a knowledge-driven workforce, we see how AI is reshaping educational approaches and business operations.

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/460207/co-intelligence-by-mollick-ethan/9780753560778
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Joanna Hughes, a champion for accessible legal education, shares her journey from a distinguished 25-year career in law to pioneering solicitor apprenticeships that eliminate the burden of student loans. As co-CEO of City Century, Joanna collaborates with over 50 international law firms to transform legal training and has seen a remarkable 240% increase in firms adopting apprenticeship schemes.
Together with Patrick McCann, Joanna is reshaping the landscape of legal education and opening doors for aspiring lawyers from all walks of life. From leveraging TikTok and Instagram to engaging with parents and educators, she tells us how to shift perceptions away from traditional university routes. Joanna’s advisory role with UCAS and the Multicultural Apprenticeship and Skills Alliance, sees her championing social mobility through cross-sector collaboration. We also get an insight into the practicalities for law firms integrating apprenticeship schemes, offering guidance and fostering community to ensure a smooth transition.

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