A Twickenham-based apprenticeship provider is launching a new global learning platform later this month to diversify vocational pathways.
Hawk Training aims to extend the accessibility and quality of apprenticeships around the world by offering ‘bite-size’ courses and incorporating AI technology, through its new platform, Hawk Academy.
The company achieved a mark of ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in 2023 and its managing director Crawford Knott, 51, talked about the importance of raising awareness of apprenticeship training.
Knott said: “Our education system really needs to evolve further, we need to be making students aware of those vocational opportunities at a younger age.
“There would be so many more young people that would get a far more fulfilling and useful experience if they were able to pursue a vocational route.”
He added Hawk Academy will have the scope to support a diverse range of learners due to efforts to improve their apprenticeship experience.
With the growing conversation surrounding AI, Hawk has started using the technology as a support mechanism to enhance its apprenticeships.
Knott said: “We need to move with the times and ensure that we’re delivering content that is engaging, but can also assess people in the right way.
“If produced correctly, it can have a really strong impact.”
Knott also acknowledged the potential barriers that learners face, especially at the time of the ‘rapidly-unfolding’ Covid situation, when Hawk Training deployed technology like laptops to aid learners throughout the courses.
The managing director said the company provides ‘outstanding’ and ‘bespoke’ apprenticeships by working closely alongside the client company in a ‘true partnership’.
To encourage aspiring leaders that may otherwise be disadvantaged, like women, Hawk also offers a range of courses and workshops – such as Women in Leadership.
Knott explained: “If you’re a woman in a leadership position, you may be struggling a lot, potentially, you’re a mother, you’re a wife, there’s a lot that falls on women’s shoulders today.
“Despite societal changes, their struggles are quite unique.
“We might have five or six different employers that want to develop some of their women already in leadership, but other women may have aspirations to become leaders.”
Knott emphasised the goal to alleviate inequality through the company’s efforts, values and consistent expansion of apprenticeship opportunities.
A key aspect of the company is its FLITE values – forward-thinking, learning, integrity, teamwork and empowering.
The managing director said: “We try to live and breathe these FLITE values.”
You can find out more about Hawk on their website hawktraining.com
All pictures courtesy of Nellie Knapp, with thanks
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