We’re thrilled to celebrate one of our own at Kaplan - Niamh Clarke, from PwC, has won the prestigious Level 4 - 7 Apprentice of the Year award at the Greater Manchester Apprenticeship and Skills Awards.
This outstanding achievement recognises not just her professional excellence, but her remarkable advocacy for neurodiversity in the accounting profession.
Niamh Clarke recently completed her Level 7 Accounting and Taxation apprenticeship with Kaplan and is now a Senior Associate at PwC. She is also a valued member of the Kaplan Apprenticeship Advisory Panel (KAAP).
However, Niamh’s success is particularly inspiring due to her commitment to breaking down barriers for neurodiverse individuals in industries like accounting. Through advocacy, speaking engagements, and mentoring, she demonstrates that diverse learning styles contribute to driving innovation and excellence.
The work behind the award
Neurodiversity advocacy
Niamh openly shares her journey of discovering her dyslexia and ADHD during her apprenticeship. She uses her experiences to encourage others to seek support and embrace their unique learning styles, demonstrating that neurodiversity is not a career-limiting factor.
Kaplan Apprenticeship Advisory Panel
As an active member of the KAAP since 2022, Niamh provides valuable insights to enhance learning experiences, particularly from a neurodiversity perspective and regarding the utilisation of technology in learning and support.
Speaking engagements and webinars
Niamh volunteers her time to deliver webinars and speak at conferences. One example is our ‘Enhancing learning strategies for ADHD and autism’ webinar that we held alongside the Inclusion team at Kaplan. Niamh's shared experiences and strategies resonated with many learners in the webinar.
Contribution to research
Niamh provided a case study to the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Diversity Champions Network, helping to challenge misconceptions and improve support for neurodiverse apprentices.
Peer mentoring and community building
She actively mentors other apprentices, encouraging them to embrace their learning styles and develop confidence. Niamh then went on to host a ‘Coffee Meet Up’ at Kaplan’s Manchester centre to foster connection and share learning among apprentices.
The winner herself, Niamh Clarke, PwC, said:
“I’m incredibly proud and grateful to have won Level 4-7 Apprentice of the Year by Greater Manchester. It’s a real honour to be recognised for promoting neurodiversity, which is something I’m truly passionate about.
The apprenticeship has helped me grow in confidence and shine a light on investing in skills such as communication and organisation of which have contributed greatly to my career and personal growth. It’s also given me a platform to advocate for more inclusive workplaces.
Kaplan has been amazing - supportive, understanding, and always encouraging me to be myself and share my perspective. The lengths Kaplan has taken to ensure my health and wellbeing were in the best form to succeed were incredible, from regular check-ins to additional tailored online support. I am forever grateful for that throughout my apprenticeship.
It has set a great example as to how, when the right support is provided, you can see tangible results, as I was able to successfully complete my apprenticeship and build enough confidence to give back to other apprentices on their own journey, discussing the topic of neurodiversity, such as ADHD and Dyslexia.”
Kaplan’s Jenny Pelling said:
"I've had the pleasure of working closely with Niamh as she's a member of Kaplan's Apprenticeship Advisory Panel. During this time, my colleagues and I have witnessed her tremendous determination and generosity of spirit. She volunteers to help others, whether by speaking at conferences on what it means to be a neurodiverse learner, building a stronger network for apprentices, or contributing to neurodiversity events. She's had a positive impact on so many other apprentices and sector groups, and she deserves this recognition for speaking up and helping others."
The future of inclusive apprenticeships
Niamh’s award win represents more than individual achievement; it signals a broader shift towards recognising and celebrating diversity in apprenticeships. Her success story demonstrates that when we create inclusive environments and provide appropriate support, all learners can achieve their full potential.
Her work is helping to reshape how we can embrace neurodiversity in professional services. Rather than viewing different learning styles as accommodations to be made, Niamh shows how they are strengths to be leveraged.
Inspiring the next generation
At Kaplan, we're incredibly proud of Niamh's achievement and her ongoing commitment to supporting apprentices. Her story reminds us that apprenticeships aren't just about developing technical skills - they're about discovering potential, building confidence, and creating pathways to success.
As more employers recognise the value of neurodiverse talent, pioneers like Niamh are paving the way for a more inclusive future. Her advocacy work is creating opportunities for others to follow in her footsteps.
Congratulations, Niamh, on this well-deserved recognition.
Transform your workforce
If you’re an employer looking to upskill your workforce, contact the team at Kaplan for information and support on how we can help transform your teams.
If you’re an individual interested in an apprenticeship to progress your career, browse our current vacancies or read more about how to discuss apprenticeship opportunities with your current employer.
If you are a learner or apprentice and need any additional support, learn more about how we can help or contact our Inclusion team at als@kaplan.co.uk.