Partnerships to empower young Black talent

Potential and capability are key measures in early careers hiring. 

But the reality is, when it comes to understanding career choices and recruitment processes, not everyone has equal access to advice. 

For many young Black people, a lack of representation can mean lower confidence in accessing opportunities and create a detachment in belonging with prospective employers.

Deloitte is changing that, and not just through our own recruitment programmes. Thanks to partnerships with Bright Network and the Black Apprentice Network (BAN), we’re making it easier for young people to take that first step on the employment ladder.

This year, we’ve hosted summer sessions, coaching programmes and virtual events for Black students, parents and recent graduates. Together we’ve helped almost 2,000 16 to 22-year-olds understand their options and feel seen in spaces that may have once felt out of reach.

These specialist organisations recognise the unique challenges young Black people entering the workforce face. With their help, we’re giving the next wave of new talent access to practical support and relatable role models, as well as the confidence to aim high.

Alongside the Black Apprentice Network, we ran Pathway to Professional Success - events for sixth formers and parents in London, Birmingham and online. Through workshops, panel discussions and Q&As, over 1,000 participants learned about apprenticeships, applications, interview preparation and more.

Between 95% and 100% of audiences said they would recommend the sessions. Afterwards, participants said their interview readiness had jumped from 15% to an average of 80%. Parents also felt the impact – in London, 91% said they were more confident supporting their child, while 100% gave a 10/10 confidence score in Birmingham.

In the words of one attendee: “This experience gave me so much more than industry knowledge. It gave me clarity, motivation and the belief that there’s a place for people like me in professional services.”

With Bright Network, we developed a virtual five-week Career Confidence Coaching programme for university students and recent graduates, that included inviting them to complete a sustainability qualification, funded by Deloitte.

Over 750 people from 130 universities registered – many were first-generation graduates – and 97% strongly agreed it helped improve their confidence. One said: “If I’d had this session before, I wouldn’t have missed out on some of the interviews I’ve had.”

Our early careers, social impact and inclusion teams, working with our cross-business Black Experience Group, co-designed these initiatives to boost awareness, employability and self-belief.

Across both programmes, up to a third of attendees were also eligible for free school meals, emphasising their success in reaching under-represented groups.

It’s also the first time we’ve opened sessions to parents.

“Research shows that parents are still the biggest influencer on decision-making for under-18s,” says Vicky Whitehill, head of talent engagement for early careers at Deloitte UK.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to ask questions and find out, for example, what a modern apprenticeship looks like.”

Panel discussions featured senior Black leaders, including Stewart Cumberbatch, a partner in our Birmingham office. For Vicky, this representation was crucial.

“Feedback from one participant was that it was good to hear someone on a panel that sounded like them,” she explains. “That really stood out for me; it’s why we wanted to do this.”

We believe that equal access to career advice and information is crucial for building confidence and accessing available opportunities.

Get in touch:

Victoria Whitehill
Head of Talent Engagement for Early Careers, Deloitte UK
vwhitehill@deloitte.co.uk
+44 (0)161 455 6560