When will the programme commence?

Participating organisations will be able to offer internships in Summer 2022. The intention is to repeat the program for the next 5 years.

How does the programme work?

The #10000BlackInterns programme will offer paid work experience across a wide range of sectors each year, providing critical training and development opportunities. Our aim is for over 20 industries to join together to provide 10,000 internships in aggregate over five years. The #100BlackInterns initiative in the investment management industry will serve as a template for other industries to follow with the aim of those sectors joining the programme, each offering at least 100 internships, where feasible, per year for five years. These internships will begin in the Summer of 2022 in order to reach the ultimate goal of providing 10,000 internships to young Black people.

How will candidates be sourced and selected?

Candidates will apply to the #10000BlackInterns programme and choose three sectors of interest.

Applications will then be distributed proportionally amongst participating firms based on the internships they are offering and the applications received. Using their preferred processes and criteria, firms will select at least one applicant for an internship offered. We are working with the University Alliance, Russell Group, GuildHE and MillionPlus, who together represent 84 institutions and an estimated one million students, of whom approximately 80,000 are Black. Their members will promote the programme on campus to drive the greatest number of applications possible each year.

How long will an internship last?

We anticipate that internships will be offered for a minimum of six weeks.

Where should internships be based?

We have partnered with companies throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland who are offering positions across the countries.

Will internships be paid?

Yes. At a minimum, interns must be paid the Living Wage for the relevant geographic location. Payment is made by the firms, directly to their interns.

Is there a requirement to offer a full-time job to the intern(s) at the end of the internship?

No. The aim of the programme is simply to provide a life-changing experience in the workplace by broadening horizons and ambition. If an internship were to lead to a full time role, that would be a fantastic outcome, but it is not a requirement.

Do we need to sign a legal agreement?

No. There is no legal or binding commitment to offer an internship should your plans change. However, there is a good faith ongoing commitment to offer at least one paid internship each year, commencing in Summer of 2022.

Is there a fee to join the programme?

No. We will however be requesting voluntary donations from organisations that participate in the programme to fund its development. If you choose not to make a donation to the programme, you will still be able to participate.

How will the programme be funded?

Capstone Investment Advisors, the global alternative asset management firm, will initially fund the launch, with voluntary contributions from participating companies and organisations developing the programme further over time.

How do I apply for an internship?

Thank you for your interest! This is an amazing opportunity and we will be providing details on how to apply for #10000BlackInterns soon. Please keep an eye on our website for latest developments and follow us on social media for regular updates. To give you an idea on timing, we anticipate opening to student applications as follows:

• Applications for the Summer 2022 programme will be made in August 2021 (with an application deadline in October 2021); candidates for this programme will be selected by February 2022 at the latest.

What happens next?

Applications will open to candidates in August 2021 and close in October 2021.

Participating firms should expect to receive candidates to review in November 2021, with a recruitment deadline in January 2022. The 10,000 Black Interns 'Class of 2022' will be finalised by February 2022, ahead of the start of pre-internship training.

Who is eligible to apply?

Candidates who are Black African, Black Caribbean and/or Black British candidates (who may or may not require visa sponsorship) that are:

- studying at/or recently graduated from (2018 onwards) a UK university at undergraduate or postgraduate level or;

- aged 18 and over who have completed their A levels and who are on a gap year with the intention of undertaking higher education.