Macclesfield woman heads to Buckingham Palace to be awarded MBE
By Alex Greensmith
26th May 2024 | Local News
A Macclesfield resident has visited Buckingham Palace to collect her MBE, which she was recently awarded.
Liz Gorb MBE, has lived in Macclesfield Forest for the past 25 years.
And this year, will be an unforgettable one for her, as Liz was awarded an MBE.
Liz was recognised in the King's New Year's Honours list for being a pioneer of degree apprenticeships in Higher Education.
This is where a student studies a degree, an apprenticeship and works at the same time.
Liz championed this initiative at Manchester Metropolitan University, where she works at director of apprenticeships.
Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the first places to employ the 'learn as you earn' initiative, and was the university to secure Ofsted 'Outstanding' recognition for the quality of its apprenticeship provision.
Liz with her husband - composer Adam Gorb - and children, went down to Buckingham Palace on the same day as the London Marathon, to collect her gong.
Macclesfield Nub News met with Liz after the Royal trip, to find out more.
"We started Degree Apprenticeships at Manchester Metropolitan University in 2015", said Liz.
"I had previously worked in other parts of education. And I had come to the university to work for small businesses, but as I had experience beforehand in apprenticeships, my role went more into that.
"In 2015, employers went to Downing Street to complain about skills shortages. And the idea that came out of that was to have an apprenticeship, but at a higher level. They felt there was a gap there. So we were one of the early adopters of degree apprenticeships.
"We set them up first in digital and technology, working with 15 employers and 60 apprentices. And now, we are working with over 600 employers and we have got 2700 apprentices on the programme. So it has been a great story of growth."
The majority of those employers are in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, but they do span across the UK, which in-part led to Liz being recognised for her national impact.
"I was recognised for education and skills," told Liz.
"Obviously I have had a full career in education, I think it really is for the degree apprenticeships because it is new. We are very strong in health, science as well. It has been a great opportunity for young people, especially women in STEM.
"And [degree apprenticeships have been] great for social mobility, a lot or apprentices come from poorer areas or disadvantaged areas. And they have done really well.
"It has given people a lot of opportunities also in terms of getting financial security and being able to buy their own homes, it has had a whole social, cultural impact. [As you earn while you study.]
"Degree apprenticeships are not suitable for everybody, because you have to hit the ground running. Or because you have to have a strong idea about what you want to do."
When pressed on other benefits of degree apprenticeships, Liz had this to say: "A degree apprenticeship has the kudos of getting a degree, at the same time as earning an apprenticeship. I think people love the process of graduation, which I think is very important, and there are lots of jobs that are graduate only, so I think it opens doors for people."
"A degree apprenticeship gives you advantages as you are learning about the world of work, at the same time as you study. The courses are specially-designed by the employers and the academics, so they are relevant to a future career. Almost all of our degree apprentices are kept on afterwards. A lot of them even get promoted during the course!"
Finding a job can be tricky after university, but with a degree apprenticeship, you could end up with a job with the same employer that provided your degree apprenticeship.
When reflecting on the trip down to Buckingham Palace to collect her MBE, Liz said: "Buckingham Palace is beautiful. It was brilliantly-organised, and it was interesting meeting other people who received awards."
Liz conversed with Anne, Princess Royal, during her three hour visit.
"She was very well versed in the world of apprenticeships, we had quite a good conversation really.
"And then she said, 'this must have been really hard', but I really believe in lifelong learning, not just for young people but people throughout their lives.'"
Liz plays an active role in many national trailblazer groups and chairs an international network of universities developing degree apprenticeships. She also advises employers, universities and government bodies on establishing these innovative programmes across the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Spain and Canada.
Current degree apprenticeships at MMU include social worker, digital marketer, and district nursing.
From just two people nine years ago, to a team of over 100 today, Liz's stewardship has paid off for thousands of people, and her efforts has now been recognised by the Royal Family.
Should you be interested in a degree apprenticeship for yourself or someone you know, please head to this link.
Enquries can also be given to [email protected].
"As well as my team at MMU, I would like to say thank you to my family who have been fantastic," concluded Liz.
Professor Malcolm Press CBE, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester Metropolitan University, said: "It is wonderful to see that Liz has been recognised for the outstanding innovation of her work at the University."
"As Director of Apprenticeships, Liz has been the driving force behind degree apprenticeships since they were first introduced in 2015. She is held in the highest esteem by employers and apprentices alike.
"Through Liz's leadership, Manchester Met was the first university to secure Ofsted 'Outstanding' recognition for the quality of our apprenticeships and we have been rated the leading university provider by apprentices for the past five years.
"I am delighted for Liz and extremely proud to have her as a colleague. My congratulations on this very well-deserved honour."
Prior to her roles at Manchester Metropolitan University, Liz served in many different sectors of Education including as Head of East Cheshire Business School at Macclesfield College, and Head of Languages at the City Lit in London.
Once again, to learn more about Degree Apprenticeships at MMU, please click HERE.
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