Pushing for change: Celebrating the Number 1 Black student in the UK

Kwesi's dedication to empowering students in African and Caribbean communities by bridging the gap, providing vital opportunities and mentorship is changing the lives of young people like him.

When he started his degree apprenticeship in computer science at the company, it quickly dawned on him that there were fewer people who looked like him at his level. This sparked the creation of the Black Apprentice Network (BAN), an organisation he co-founded to give both current and aspiring apprentices the tools and guidance needed to excel in their chosen field.

"There just weren't a lot of black apprentices or at least we didn't know any black apprentices", he said, adding: "So first, we wanted to be sure there weren't any black apprenticeship networks - because we didn't want to set up a network that already existed; we'd rather be part of that and make it a lot larger. But it just didn't exist, and it seemed like something that should have existed long before us.

"So, we said let's start an apprenticeship network where we can meet more people who are doing apprenticeships. Then we quickly realised that the younger generation really needed help getting into apprenticeships. It seemed as if that schools weren't shifting their mentality about students considering apprenticeships," he continued.

The power of degree apprenticeships

While traditional university degrees often get the spotlight, Kwesi is on a mission to challenge the status quo and prove that degree apprenticeships can be just as powerful - if not more so.

The aim is to ensure that young people, particularly those from underrepresented groups, are not only aware of the opportunities available to them but are also prepared and armed with the skills required to seize them. For Kwesi, apprenticeships are a place where young people can get the necessary skills that become valuable to companies in the most efficient way.

"At African and Caribbean dominated schools particularly, there's still this thing of 'we just need to get you to university and once we get you to university that means you're successful'. So, we wanted to change that narrative through aiding young people to get apprenticeships by helping them understand what an apprenticeship is and how to find one.

"When it comes to particularly corporate roles, although we have some individuals at high levels, we aren't quite there yet. So, we want to help young people to understand what skills are required to get into those companies."

The network not only raises awareness about the benefits of apprenticeships but also provides a platform for sharing success stories through events, where individuals have access to professionals from top companies in the UK. It currently has about 3,000 members; 2,000 aspiring to be apprentices, and the rest undertake degree apprentices. The team want to grow and make the network as large as it can be, but also to "get the big companies to say that 'this is great black talent that we want in our companies.'"

Recognition and vision for transformation

Kwesi's work has had a profound impact, resulting in his recognition as the Number 1 Black Undergraduate Student in the UK for 2024 by Powerlist Magazine. Judges described him as "a perfect example of seeing a genuine problem that affects the community and doing something about it, getting up and doing something to change things."

Kwesi's achievements align perfectly with this year's theme for Black History Month: Reclaiming Narratives, which urges black people to take control of their stories, celebrate their heritage and ensure their voices are heard.

The recognition, for him, has been "special. It has been a blessing, and I have been encouraged. I am passionate about this for African and Caribbean students because it helps us break through many barriers. It is not to say not taking a degree apprenticeship does not allow you to do this, I still advise some students to go to university as apprenticeships are not for everyone. But for the individual that wants to accelerate their career and understand why they want to do this; I think that a degree apprenticeship is the best route."

With just one year left as an undergraduate, Kwesi hopes to use his title as the Number 1 Black Student in the UK to bring meaningful change for young people in the African and Caribbean community.

At Queen Mary University of London, degree apprenticeships are a crucial part of our curriculum. The programme blends academic study with real-world experience, equipping our diverse student group with the skills necessary for success in today's competitive job market. For more information on our degree apprenticeships, visit our website.

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