Ones to watch: the CMI Higher Education award winners

23 February 2018 -

Which universities and business schools are going above and beyond to develop the next generation of students and leaders? CMI’s new Higher Education Awards highlight the best institutions for graduate employability

Employability and management and leadership skills were celebrated at CMI’s inaugural Higher Education Awards on 21 February 2018. The annual awards programme recognises the higher education institutions that are revolutionising graduate employability.

“Our awards champion the universities and business schools that are transforming the learning experience for their students,” Ian Myson, CMI’s director of HE partnerships explains.

A panel of senior business leaders and management academics judged the entrants, across categories including Higher Education Partner of the Year and Student of the Year. The winners were announced at the CMI’s annual Higher Education Conference.

The higher education institution winners

Scooping the accolade of CMI’s Higher Education Partner of the Year was Anglia Ruskin University. Meanwhile, Coventry University picked up the award for Outstanding Innovation and Delivery, and Universiti Utara Malaysia received the International Award. A student from Manchester Metropolitan University was also commended as Apprentice of the Year.

Myson praised the winners: “I congratulate Anglia Ruskin university, Manchester Metropolitan University, Coventry University and Universiti Utara Malaysia for making great progress working with employers and professional bodies to help their students gain world-class, work-ready skills.”

The individual winners

It was double celebration for Anglia Ruskin as student Jack Williamson was named Student of the Year. Lucy Cheng, Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice at Manchester Metropolitan University and United Utilities was the individual celebrated as the best management apprentice talent.

Today, more than 30 universities offer Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship programmes, after the course was launched in November 2015.

The breakdown

A full list of the categories and winners include:

• Higher Education Partner of the Year – Anglia Ruskin University
• Outstanding Innovation and Delivery – Coventry University 
• International Award – Universiti Utara Malaysia 
• Student of the Year – Jack Williamson, BA Hons Management and Leadership, Anglia Ruskin University and Barclays 
• Apprentice of the Year – Lucy Cheng Chartered Manager Degree Apprentice, Manchester Metropolitan University, United Utilities