Lamar Mukundi, Solicitor Apprentice based in our London office, discusses his work with the Black Apprentice Network, a vibrant community for aspiring and current apprentices of African and Caribbean descent.
My journey with the Black Apprentice Network began less than a year ago, thanks to a LinkedIn post. In a small group of around 40 apprentices, I quickly discovered a welcoming atmosphere where everyone was eager to connect and share their experiences. It was reassuring to know that there were others walking similar paths to me. Since my arrival, I've witnessed the network grow to 680 members, including both aspiring and current apprentices. Together, we're building a thriving and inclusive community that continues to make a positive impact on the lives of its members.
My role as the Events Officer consists of organising and planning events that span across different industries. My primary focus is to provide valuable insights to Black students interested in apprenticeships through workshops, webinars, and in-person panel events, as well as facilitating networking opportunities for our current apprentices. I have seen this first-hand at a recent panel event for current apprentices, creating and facilitating this space has allowed aspiring apprentices to build connections and learn more about the solicitor apprenticeship route.
Intersectionality plays a key role in our community, and is something I am very passionate about. We have members from a range of backgrounds and experiences which intersect with being Black. Additional barriers such as neurodivergence, sexual orientation, gender, religion, and low socioeconomic background have encouraged us to learn from each other about our unique, multifaceted positions. Being a part of this collective has demonstrated to me the importance of recognising and understanding the struggles of marginalised groups and how they overlap into different forms of oppression, discrimination and experience. It has been incredibly eye-opening and has further emphasised to me the importance of considering intersectionality.
“Black History Month serves as an important annual reminder to embrace the richness of intersectionality. Acknowledging the unique obstacles that others face is not only a compassionate act but also a vital step towards promoting inclusivity. Addressing intersectionality can help cultivate a truly equitable environment where everyone feels valued and heard, fostering accessible opportunities for growth and advancement, regardless of their intersectional identities.”
Working with the Black Apprentices Network has truly been the opportunity of a lifetime, allowing me to actively pursue my passion for guiding and empowering young individuals within the Black community. Unfortunately, there remains inequalities in the apprenticeship and corporate sectors, making it challenging for aspiring individuals to access the necessary information and opportunities. This access is an obstacle that many face, particularly those who lack the connections to get started in these industries.
I was fortunate to be steered toward this career path by my mentor, but I didn't receive much support for my application during my time at sixth form, instead a university education was seen as the default, and preferred, route to a career in law. However, I know that there are other ways, other routes, and other opportunities and I want to let others know that there are alternative pathways into the legal and corporate world. Apprenticeships will soon be regarded on an equal footing with the university path. The Black Apprentice Network has given me a platform, and I'm immensely grateful for the opportunity to be a guiding hand for others on their journey to a successful career.
This October, it is my sincere hope that individuals across the country proactively engage in deeper exploration of the intricate and multifaceted challenges that members of the Black community face.
