Kaplan
Apprenticeship
Awards 2024

Elizabeth is director of communications for Kaplan’s UK-based businesses. Previously, she worked in public relations and public affairs in the Netherlands and the US in the telecom and satellite communications sector. She is also a trustee for the North East Derbyshire Support Centre and the Helena Kennedy Foundation. She holds a B.A. degree from UCLA and an M.A. from McGill University.

Jenny Pelling is the Director of Apprenticeship Development and Diversity at Kaplan Financial. She holds key roles within Kaplan Financial, contributing as a member of both the Apprenticeship Leadership Team and the EDI Steering Group, and being the strategic lead for apprentices' careers and wider personal development. Jenny's commitment to expanding access to apprenticeships and professional opportunities is evident through her active involvement as a patron and judge for esteemed organisations such as the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and Awards, RISE (which provides skills insights to schools), and the social mobility charity Career Ready. Additionally, Jenny is an advisory partner for the Association of Apprentices and is a governor of Kaplan Pathways.

Jagdeep has over 25 years’ experience in the employment support and skills sectors, working on the majority of mainstream back to work programmes, both in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. He is a strategist with extensive senior operational experience. Currently he is the Head of Strategic Partnerships for the Multicultural Apprenticeship Alliance and The Apprenticeship Diversity and Social Mobility Forum (Powered by Pathway Group.)

The aim of these two initiatives is to promote social mobility, diversity, inclusion, and equity in apprenticeships and employability. Jagdeep is a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals, and has a passion for equality, diversity, inclusion, and equity, to support those that are most at risk of missing out on opportunity.

Derek is an experienced fundraising manager, having worked in the charity sector for over 15 years. He is responsible for identifying and delivering strategic partnerships which help to drive increased representation and engagement with underrepresented groups at WorldSkills UK. He oversees delivery of their equity, diversity and inclusion programmes.