Social Impact Report
Black Apprentice Network x Deloitte Pathway to Professional Success
Single Page
This report documents the outcomes and impact of the Pathway to Professional Success programme, a collaborative initiative between the Black Apprentice Network and Deloitte.
The programme was designed to address inequalities in access to high-quality apprenticeships for black students, increase awareness of Deloitte's BrightStart Apprenticeship programme, and build application confidence, workplace readiness, and parental advocacy through a series of in-person events and webinars.
Overview here
Full Report here

by Black Apprentice Network

Programme Objectives & Achievement
To tackle entrenched racial inequalities in access to professional apprenticeships by:
Programme Impact Overview
The Pathway to Professional Success initiative has achieved remarkable success in breaking barriers and building futures.
All programme goals were successfully achieved, including raising awareness of BrightStart, building knowledge and confidence, fostering representation and belonging, engaging families as advocates, driving long-term application intent, and ensuring inclusive, equitable participation.
1,600+
Total Registrations
1,000+
Unique Attendees
90%+
Black Heritage Participation
73%
Year 12 Engagement
The programme reached participants nationwide through online webinars, with flagship events in London and Birmingham. An average of 21% of participants across all events were eligible for Free School Meals, demonstrating the programme's success in reaching underrepresented groups.
Total Reach & Participant Profile
The programme was delivered through three formats: Webinar Series, London Insight Evening, and Birmingham Insight Evening. This multi-channel approach ensured maximum reach and accessibility for participants across different regions.
The initiative successfully engaged over 1,000 unique participants from diverse backgrounds, with more than 90% being from Black heritage backgrounds. This high participation rate underscores the programme's effectiveness in reaching its target demographic.
Programme Success Metrics
The collaborative efforts between the Black Apprentice Network and Deloitte yielded significant improvements in student confidence and skills development:
Interview Preparation
Students' interview readiness improved from 15% pre-event to an average 8/10 confidence post-event.
Psychometric Testing
Confidence with psychometric testing rose from 3.8/10 to an average confidence level of 7.5/10.
Application Confidence
Students reported an average confidence score of 8/10 for the application process.
LinkedIn Testimonials here
Parent Empowerment
A crucial feature of the programme was its intentional inclusion of parents and families as key stakeholders. This approach recognised the critical role that family support plays in career decision-making, particularly within black communities where parents' endorsement of non-university pathways may require specific information and reassurance.
  • 100% of Birmingham parents gave a perfect 10/10 confidence rating in supporting their children to pursue an apprenticeship
  • 91% of London parents felt more confident supporting their child
  • Webinar attendees reported high confidence scores in supporting their children through the apprenticeship process
Beyond Awareness: Intent, Action & Advocacy
The programme has transformed awareness into action, creating a network of empowered families who are now advocates for alternative career pathways:
1
Webinar Parents
  • 100% would recommend the programme to others
  • 100% were more interested in their child applying to Deloitte post-event
  • 67% said they now understood the next steps to take
2
London Parents
  • 96% would recommend the event
  • 91% felt more confident supporting their child
  • 73% requested further guidance (47% for future events, 23% for one-on-one support)
3
Birmingham Parents
  • All gave perfect 10/10 scores on all survey questions, including confidence rating in supporting children to pursue an apprenticeship and in validating apprenticeships as another route alongside university
  • All stated they would now actively promote Deloitte to others
Ultimately, this initiative demonstrates the power of inclusive stakeholder engagement, particularly in communities where family endorsement significantly influences career decisions.
By equipping parents with knowledge and confidence, the programme has created sustainable impact that extends beyond individual participants, building a foundation for long-term change in access to professional opportunities.

by Black Apprentice Network