Ruth Devine awarded MBE

ECA Vice President and Managing Director of Milton Keynes-based SJD Associates Ruth Devine has been awarded an MBE for her work supporting apprenticeships and technical education.

Ruth helped develop the first of a new wave of employer-designed government apprenticeships a decade ago for the electrotechnical sector, the Installation and Maintenance Electrician apprenticeship, launched in 2015.

Ruth has since contributed to the rollout of and regular updates to more than 90 other apprenticeships, three T Levels and 20 Higher Technical Qualifications.

Ruth has also helped to reform apprenticeships, overseen by IfATE with backing from thousands of employers across England. Large and small businesses, like Ruth’s, now provide the insights and guidance that set the standards for all government apprenticeships and most technical qualifications. This employer-led approach has pushed up standards and made sure programmes match up to businesses’ true skills needs. It also gives learners confidence that they are being taught skills highly valued in the workplace, which will set them up for successful careers.

After learning she had been awarded an MBE for services to further education and apprenticeships, Ruth said:

“It’s an incredible privilege to have been awarded an MBE and I am so pleased to have been able to support the reform and improvement of apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications. It’s thanks to thousands of large and small businesses, like SJD, that standards have risen and skills training now better matches employers’ needs. I will continue to work with IfATE and would encourage many other businesses to do the same for the good of filling skills gaps in their sectors and encouraging future generations of trainees.”

Jennifer Coupland, IfATE chief executive, said:

“I would like to say a huge congratulations to Ruth for being made an MBE. Her contribution towards apprenticeships and technical education has been immense and she is an inspiration to employers across the country interested in making sure they really work for businesses and learners.”

The MBE caps off an extremely successful year for Ruth, as she was also proud to receive the IfATE Apprenticeship Development Partner of the Year Award, on behalf of SJD, through the 2023 National Apprenticeship Awards announced in early December.