The Empower-U project is a collaboration between ELBA and BUPA. It is designed to equip young male and female students aged 14-16 from black backgrounds that may be excluded or on the trajectory of exclusion with the knowledge, skills and experience required to achieve their ambitions through a series of workshops, mentorships and enriching work placements.

How the programme works:
Students will take part in four workshops run by industry professionals and ELBA, exploring the range of career options available within the corporate sector, and helping them to develop key skills employers expect from young people.

• Students will be provided with access to mentorships (4-6 Months)
• Industry insights tours
• Professional networking opportunities, providing greater insight into their chosen career path
• Access to work placement opportunities

Why we exist:
The barriers and challenges faced by people from black and minoritised ethnic backgrounds, including a lack of opportunities, discrimination and the absence of role models, has led to the corporate sector being under-represented by these groups. There is a particular lack of ethnic diversity in senior positions with black employees holding just 1.5% of senior leadership roles.

Empower-U exists to address the stark imbalances in employment outcomes for young men and women from black and minority backgrounds in London by introducing them to the world of work.

For more information please contact: cordel.fraser@elba-1.org.uk