Coca Cola and Premier Foods join The Genie Programme

Amazing Apprenticeships have announced the first members of cohort 1 of The Genie Programme which opens in May 2021.

Designed to educate and inspire individuals around the most complex of social mobility, diversity and inclusion issues, The Genie Programme supports participants to explore the challenges faced by disadvantaged and diverse apprentices, look at the social and business impact their organisation could achieve by tapping into such varied talent, research, brainstorm, gain new perspectives, and deliver a tailored ‘pitch for change’ for their organisation to act.

“I’m so excited to be part of the first-ever cohort for The Genie Programme – there’s nothing else out there like it. It’s specifically for apprenticeships and early careers professionals who want to improve access to opportunity, and to drive social mobility and workforce diversity. After the year we’ve all had it feels like this is needed now more than ever. We’re really, really excited as a business about this programme.” Said Sharon Blyfield, senior manager, people and culture, GB early careers and apprenticeships for Coca-Cola European Partners.

Blyfield, who also contributed to the Programme’s initial focus group, will be joined by Julie Harris, L&D Business Partner, Operations and Early Careers for Premier as the first participants to the ground-breaking programme.

“The Genie Programme locks into key targets and priorities for us as a business”, adds Harris. “It will help ensure that we’re leading the way for our sector, creating apprenticeships that offer opportunities for diverse and disadvantaged applicants, and ultimately reaping the many benefits of a more diverse workforce. That’s a very exciting prospect for us as a business in the current market.”

The 12-month mixed-delivery programme incorporates specialist workshops, expert input, 1:1 executive coaching, mentoring, immersive visits and collaboration, networking and brainstorming opportunities with like-minded individuals. The first cohort will be made up of members hand-picked from applications to ensure cohesion and diversity in each group.

The programme welcomes ambitious, motivated individuals from any size of company. If you are passionate about social mobility, diversity and inclusion for apprenticeships, traineeships and T Levels, The Genie programme could be for you. Find out more.