The Black Apprentice Network (BAN)

WE ARE LIVE!⚡️ We hosted our first official event, and it was a smashing success. Sold out almost instantly every time we increased capacity! That’s what we love to see. We were a family of 100 people on Friday! Planting seeds: cultivating lifelong relationships 🌱☀️ . Just like the name of the event says, our goal was to enable young black professionals and students to develop professional relationships with each other. We wanted to provide the opportunity for aspiring apprentices to meet role models who have a similar background to each other. We started with an introduction to the mission of The Black Apprentice Network (BAN), what we plan to do, what we have done and what matters to us. We were able to share our experiences and provide advice via our two panels. Special shout-out to our panellists‼️ With our first panel consisting of Fenton, Alisha, Kwesi and Safiya. Then Sydney, Naomi, Lamar and Rubin on our second panel. Apprentices in all different industries and an aspiring apprentice who managed to land multiple offers from large organisations. We talked about their reasons for choosing apprenticeships over the traditional university route, how their friends/family reacted, how they plan to leverage their position as an apprentice for their careers and a range of questions from the aspiring apprentices. Thank you to everyone that shared their unique experience of apprentices from African and Caribbean heritage. 🗣 We had an exciting evening of networking afterwards where we made sure our aspiring apprentice and current apprentices connected. Our apprentices were excited to share their experiences, and we saw our ambitious aspiring apprentices go the mile to connect and learn. One thing that stood out was the energy of the room and how comfortable everyone was to be among their peers. Good vibes and enjoyment that’s what we expect to bring to every event🤩. If you are currently an apprentice or aspire to be one, are from African or Caribbean heritage, make sure to look at our page and join our community. https://lnkd.in/emPmHhn3 Next stop: The Midlands 👀 XX/05/2023 #community #network #blackexcellence #apprenticeship #socialmobility #opportunity #blackapprenticenetwork

Apprenticeships offer a clear career path, while university degrees can be aimless 🤷♂️ You have the opportunity with apprenticeships to learn valuable skills which contribute to a professional working environment 🙈 Through building on this foundation 🧱... ...you get the opportunity to continue on the path and get more senior or gain more responsibility 💼... ...or through building that foundation, commit oneself to slight pivots until one finds their path 🗺️ What do you think 🤷♂️

A message to the year 13s that are doing apprenticeship applications and the year 12s thinking of doing it next year 💌 P.S. It's super important to keep in mind 🤔 The best type of apprenticeship applicants aren't the people that instantly get a role in September. It isn't the ones who get great grades. It isn't even the ones who show incredible professionalism. What is it then? It is the ones who stay consistent. Even in the midst of your A-Level and college exams, it's the ones that are still applying and putting themselves out there. Good luck to those still doing it.

For those balancing family with apprenticeship applications... For those balancing working with apprenticeship applications... For those balancing studies with apprenticeship applications... For those balancing life wih apprenticeship applications... You got this, just keep going 🙏

A busy #NAW2025 continues with events with The Black Apprentice Network (BAN) and Young Professionals tonight! We explored: 💻Application tips and how to stand out throughout both sessions 🎙️Cat Greenwood-Smith shared her journey to Partner during the partner panel with Young Professionals 🎙️Jamaal Jackson shared his experience joining Freshfields through the Freshfields Stephen Lawrence programme and why he has continued his career with us. Thanks to Sayed Aasim Qadri for all his question answering skills! Looking forward to ending a fantastic week with Joanna Hughes Care Leaver event tomorrow with some of our City Century firm friends! #apprenticeship #NAW2025

Seeing black apprentices is such a beautiful thing. Watching people from our aspiring apprentice community put in the work, apply for numerous apprenticeships, and get them is an incredible process in itself. Even seeing those who have not received their apprenticeship blessings yet grow more resilient, more persistent, and more persevering is amazing. We know this apprenticeship journey is hard... ...but the journey is so fulfilling.

Norton Rose Fulbright is partnering with The Black Apprentice Network (BAN) to host an Insight Evening for students who are interested in Law. This is an exclusive opportunity to get an insight into the legal profession. You will be able to meet our early careers recruitment partner Will Alete and speak to our panel consisting of Izzy James, Massif Sabwe, Lamar Mukundi, Olukoyinsola Onakomaiya, Daniel F. and Bayo Odubeko. Who will each be able to speak to you about their experience at Norton Rose Fulbright and showcase the different stages in a career with us. Please use the link below to sign up to our waitlist for a chance to attend. https://lnkd.in/eRDDRSCh

Ambitious apprentices: Resting and recharging are essential to productivity and finding success in your apprenticeship the long term. Burnout is very real in apprenticeships, and a refreshed mind gives you a chance to see the world anew and demonstrate the best of your abilities.

"Networking events are a waste of time for apprentices." Let's evaluate. We hate statements like this. These events enable you to get out of the office, learn incredible things and build amazing relationships. Don't miss out on the opportunities these events provide (especially, if the Black Apprentice Network is providing them 😀).

“Opportunities don’t happen. You create them.” – Chris Grosser Attending the Freshfields x BAN Insight Evening was a powerful reminder that taking the initiative to seek and persue knowledge and connect with the right people can open doors to incredible opportunities I had the chance to speak with associates and trainee associates (Alexandra Busuioc & Jermaine Francis) gaining first-hand insights into life at Freshfields, the firm’s culture, and what it truly takes to succeed The exclusive information shared was invaluable; guidance that you simply can’t find in a brochure or online A fun fact about Freshfields that stood out to me: the firm has been around for over 280 years, making it one of the oldest law firms in the world! In fact, Freshfields was appointed as legal advisor to the Bank of England in 1743, a relationship that played a key role in shaping the UK’s financial and legal landscape. That level of history and expertise is truly inspiring for aspiring solicitors. Beyond the knowledge gained, it was also a pleasure to reconnect with Blake L. and Aaliyah Agoro sharing this experience with like-minded professionals who are equally driven. A huge thank you to Freshfields and The Black Apprentice Network (BAN) for organising such an insightful and inspiring event. Moments like these reinforce the vitality of proactively creating opportunities and making the most of them for students such as myself. Have a blessed day all🤍