The value of apprenticeships in creating more diversity and inclusion within the workplace

Article by Hannah Boltwood, Client Manager, Reply

In an increasingly digital age, those who are not engaging effectively with the digital world are at risk of being left behind.

Technological change means that digital skills are becoming more important for connecting with others, accessing information and services and meeting the changing demands of the workplace and economy.

I strongly believe that addressing the digital skills gap is essential when it comes to equipping people with the skills they need to live and work in a digital world and ensure everyone can benefit from the opportunities digital innovation and infrastructure investment can bring. Reply’s ultimate goal is that the UK tech sector becomes a diverse and inclusive community where people from all backgrounds are welcomed, listened to and valued for their contributions. However, this starts by addressing the tech ecosystem as a whole and working to find ways to close the digital skills gap.

One way in which we try to help the communities we serve, is by partnering with the Tech Talent Charter (TTC), a non-profit organisation leading a movement to address inequality in the UK tech sector and drive inclusion and diversity in a practical and uniquely measurable way. As an ambassador for the TTC, I am passionate in helping companies to connect with people from skills bootcamps or apprenticeships, for example retraining post university, early career or after career breaks. I believe that apprenticeships can help close the unemployment gap and help to attract people from a wide talent pool which ultimately creates more diversity and inclusion within the workplace.

In fact, research shows that 43% of businesses with more diverse workforces have higher profits – and I believe that apprenticeships are the cornerstone to reaching that talent early!

About the author

Hannah Boltwood is a Client Manager at Reply Limited. She is passionate about bringing cost savings to the public sector through technology solutions, process improvement and stemming value leakage. She is driven by the impact these services have on people’s lives and how her contribution can make a difference.

She began her career as a mainframe programmer at IBM. Hannah has since used her highly analytical skill set to build a reputation for problem solving using both strategic and people skills to deliver transformation and change for her clients. She now runs Reply’s two largest government accounts, the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.