A new collaboration between Amazing Apprenticeships and the Black Apprentice Network was created to tackle the underrepresentation of individuals who are of African and the Caribbean descent. We want to help more individuals to access apprenticeships and inspire a future generation to consider apprenticeships as one of their options.
In the 21/22 academic year, non-white apprenticeship starts made up less than 2 in 10 apprentices at all ages (14.7%), yet we know that awareness of apprenticeships is rising and that schools and colleges are doing more to inform their students about apprenticeships as a credible option. So why aren’t we seeing greater uptake?
There are a number of reasons that we are seeing low take-up of apprenticeships by those of African and the Caribbean descent, and through our partnership we want to focus on making impact in three main areas.
- We want to inspire young people to understand the wide range of opportunities that are available through apprenticeships by sharing positive stories featuring inspirational role models through the Black Apprentice Network.
- We want to increase parental understanding and confidence in apprenticeships, helping parents and carers to realise the benefits that apprenticeships could bring their child and how to access different opportunities to progress their careers.
- We want to support employers to attract and retain talented individuals onto their apprenticeship programmes, and help them to understand the support structures and considerations they may need to implement to ensure success.
“The Black Apprentice Network is proud to be partnering with Amazing Apprenticeships to make a real difference to young black lives. There are many incredible apprentices of African and Caribbean descent, working in a huge range of different
businesses and really succeeding in their job roles.
Through working with Amazing Apprenticeships, we want to inspire the next generation of apprentices, and their families too, by showcasing the journeys of our fantastic members.”
Elijah Olanipekun, Kwesi Bimpong, Rubin Aboagye-Poku
Through The Black Apprentice Network and Amazing Apprenticeships, a number of focussed and impactful activities will be created, starting with a collection of apprentice stories and experiences, showcasing some of the inspirational current and past apprentices who are members of the Black Apprentice Network.
The collection of stories has been released to schools and communities throughout England to showcase the benefits of apprenticeships.
“It’s so important that we find new ways to inspire young people and their families by sharing stories of current and past apprentices. This collection will provide a set of resources that schools can use throughout the year to help to engage and inform their students about the possibilities out there.”
Anna Morrison CBE, Amazing Apprenticeships
Explore Apprentice Stories
Explore the collection of apprentice stories, showcasing some of the inspirational current and past apprentices who are members of the Black Apprentice Network.
Explore Now
“I just wanted to express my gratitude for the collaboration. Our aspiring apprentice community are truly loving it. We are so touched by the support we are receiving.
Our collaboration remind me of why we started the network. Impact to our community. Thank you for helping our dream get closer to reality.”
Kwesi Bimpong
BAN Co-Founder