Grace Williams is both an apprentice herself and an apprentice support lead, working with more than 50 fellow apprentices at The HEX Group.

Under Grace’s support and leadership, The HEX Group achieved a 100% apprenticeship pass rate for all learners completing qualifications in both 2024 and 2025.

She has developed into far more than a mentor or coordinator. She is a trusted advocate, culture-builder and influential voice shaping the experience, wellbeing and future success of more than 50 apprentices across The HEX Group at any one time.

Grace plays a pivotal role in guiding learners throughout their apprenticeship journey while simultaneously excelling in her own Level 4 Learning and Skills Mentor apprenticeship.

She has been instrumental in creating a highly engaged apprentice culture where learners feel genuine belonging and connection within the organisation. Through quarterly enrichment days, mentoring initiatives and tailored one-to-one support, Grace has helped foster a workplace culture where apprentices actively want to stay, contribute and grow.

Grace proactively championed more inclusive Level 2 apprenticeship pathways and introduced SEND-friendly and kinaesthetic learning approaches to ensure opportunities remained accessible for all individuals, regardless of their background or learning style.
She coordinates CSR initiatives around critical issues that could affect younger learners, including mental health and gambling awareness, helping to position apprenticeships as not only career pathways, but environments where young people feel psychologically safe and understood.
Grace modernised apprentice engagement through developing a social media strategy, generating more than 350,000 TikTok views in under six months, helping to raise the profile of apprenticeships amongst younger audiences in an authentic and relatable way, and develop new skills amongst current apprentices. In the 2026 recruitment period since the channel launched, applications have risen by 79% compared to 2025.

Karen Barnacle, The HEX Group’s Group People  and Culture Director, said: ”Grace is an exceptional colleague, whose influence is felt across every learner journey she supports. She combines a deep commitment to apprentice success with a highly personalised, proactive approach, ensuring each individual is not only supported but empowered to achieve their full potential.

“What sets Grace apart is her ability to balance high expectations with genuine care. She builds trust, drives engagement and creates an enriched environment where apprentices succeed. Her unwavering dedication to learner development makes her an invaluable leader in this space, and a true asset to the company.”
Grace said: “Completing my apprenticeship while supporting other learners has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities apprentices experience. It has strengthened my confidence, expanded my skills and reinforced my passion for helping others achieve their potential.”

She has been nominated in the Apprentice of the Year category of University of Staffordshire Business Awards.