About
The Women in Apprenticeships Network provides a supportive and empowering community
for women in apprenticeships through a range of initiatives, including networking, mentoring, peer buddying, inspiring speaker events, practical webinars, and a dedicated LinkedIn
group.
Apprenticeships can be powerful pathways into leadership, professional recognition, and lasting careers, yet women continue to face barriers to entry, progression, and representation. This network exists to challenge those barriers, amplify women’s voices, and create a more inclusive and equitable future for apprenticeships.
Women In Apprenticeships: leading, networking and building strength through community
Our Mission
Our mission is to connect, champion, and empower women in apprenticeships by opening
doors to opportunity, breaking down barriers, and supporting every woman to reach her full
potential.
Our Vision
We envision a world where every woman in an apprenticeships feels connected, valued, and empowered. Through a strong and supportive community, we break down barriers, share knowledge and experiences, and celebrate achievements together. By fostering opportunities to learn, grow, and lead, WIAN strives to create lasting change—ensuring women in apprenticeships are not only represented but championed, inspired, and equipped to thrive and uplift others.
Meet the Team
The Women in Apprenticeships Network is led by our co-chairs, Professor Sarah Tudor and Jenny Ashworth.
National Co-Chair
Professor Sarah Tudor
As National Chair of the Women in Apprenticeships Network, I am committed to ensuring that women have the support, visibility, and opportunities they need to thrive across all stages of their apprenticeship journey.
My professional career has been built around designing, leading, and assuring high-quality apprenticeship programmes. I joined the University of Exeter’s Business School in 2019, where I have held a range of senior roles including Director of Education for Degree Apprenticeships (2021–2024) and Programme Director for both the Operations/Departmental Manager Apprenticeship and the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship. I am now Associate Professor and Head of Assessment and Progression for the Centre for Degree Partnerships.
Before joining Exeter, I spent 21 years in Further Education, where I designed and managed apprenticeship programmes across Sports Management, Public Services, Teacher Training, and Business Management.
My academic and professional work is underpinned by a commitment to inclusion and equity. My current research focuses on inclusive education and the experiences of transgender students in higher education. I hold Chartered Manager status, a Master’s in Education, and am currently undertaking a Doctorate in Education.
With this background, I bring both strategic insight and lived experience of leading apprenticeship programmes at national level. I am proud to champion the Women in Apprenticeships Network—working to celebrate women’s achievements, break down barriers, and ensure apprenticeships are a truly inclusive route to success.
National Co-Chair
Jenny Ashworth
I have worked in the education sector for over twenty years, with senior leadership roles across people, functions and curriculum in the post-16 sector. My career has spanned teaching, strategic leadership, and national projects, often including a vital apprenticeship element. I have worked with some of the UK’s largest employers to design and deliver new programmes, led quality improvement across provision, and driven initiatives to ensure apprentices have the very best experience and outcomes.
My leadership journey has included being Managing Director of a national, sector-based college and Assistant Principal at one of the largest further education colleges in the country. I am known for shaping skills solutions with employers, building leadership capability, and strengthening governance across education.
Today, I have developed a portfolio career that allows me to work at different levels of the system alongside volunteering and governance roles that support my local community. I mentor senior leaders through Exeter University’s Business School, provide consultancy to the FE sector on skills, and hold governance roles including Chair of Governors at a large secondary school. Alongside this, I volunteer with a charity supporting resilience in educators and serve as Chair of the PFA at my sons’ primary school.
I am passionate about education as a driver of opportunity and aspiration, and about widening access to high-quality apprenticeships for all. As Co-Chair of the Women’s Apprenticeship Network I am committed to creating a platform that amplifies women’s voices, supports female leaders and apprentices, and shapes a more inclusive future for apprenticeships.