The Black Mortgage Professionals and Allies Network has called on financial services employers, training providers and community organisations to work more closely together to widen access for young people from under-represented backgrounds.
The call followed an Early Career Pathways and Apprenticeships Roundtable hosted by BMPAN in Canary Wharf, where discussion centred on how the sector can better reach talented young people who may not regard financial services as an accessible or realistic career option.
BMPAN said it would act as a facilitator between employers, training providers and community organisations in an effort to improve collaboration and create clearer entry points into the sector.
A FOCUS ON LIVED EXPERIENCE
The event, hosted by BMPAN co-founders Atlyn Forde and Aleka Gutzmore, opened with contributions from young people who had completed, or were progressing through, apprenticeships and early-career roles.
Their accounts helped shape the discussion around the practical barriers facing new entrants and the support needed to help them progress once in post.
Tracy Jordan, chief operating officer and board member at Vantage Point Global, outlined the firm’s work recruiting, mentoring and training young unemployed people into financial services roles. Working with employers, the business supports candidates through the early months of employment with the aim of improving retention and longer-term career development.
Paul Allen from Simply Academy also set out the training provision available to employers. BMPAN said examples of previous partnerships with firms including Sesame Bankhall Group and London & Country showed how structured programmes can be used to create more visible entry routes into the industry.
CLEARER PATHWAYS
The wider discussion highlighted several recurring themes, including the need for better defined career pathways into mortgage and financial services, the role line managers play in retention and progression, and the importance of widening access beyond traditional networks.
Participants also discussed the business case for investing in early talent, arguing that stronger collaboration between employers, apprenticeship providers and early-career specialists will be needed if the sector is to build a more resilient and diverse talent pipeline.
BMPAN said the next stage of work will focus on developing a practical framework to strengthen industry connections, support engagement and measure progress.
This is expected to include further discussions with organisations looking to introduce or expand apprenticeship and internship programmes, as well as closer links between employers and training partners.
Atlyn Forde (pictured, right), co-founder of BMPAN, said: “One of the strongest messages from the roundtable was that there is incredible potential among young people who simply need clearer pathways and access into the industry.
“Many talented young people from under-represented backgrounds do not grow up seeing financial services as a career option, not because they lack ambition or ability, but because they lack visibility of the opportunities available.
“Through BMPAN we are committed to changing that. By bringing employers, training providers and young people into the same conversation, we can help build practical pathways that enable the next generation of talent to enter, progress and thrive in financial services.”
BMPAN co-founder, Aleka Gutzmore (pictured, left), said: “The response to the Early Career Pathways Roundtable was incredibly encouraging. I’m proud that BMPAN is at the forefront of this conversation, bringing together employers, training providers and young people to move from intent to action and strengthen access to financial services for the next generation.”
Kate Davies, executive director of IMLA, added: “BMPAN’s recent roundtable provided a great opportunity for some young talent to showcase their ability, enthusiasm and passion.
Their energy was infectious, and I’m sure that everyone listening came away feeling uplifted by the accounts of great work being done to nurture and develop their progress.
“So much depends on the personal commitment and generosity displayed by those who mentor and encourage the young apprentices, so a big shout must go out to them as well as to the youngsters themselves, all of whom deserve to thrive and succeed.”
