Close to 500 companies across the United Kingdom, including a large group of insurers, have joined the 10,000 Black Interns programme, which seeks to provide more career opportunities for young Black people.

Launched in October, the programme’s stated mission is to transform the horizons and prospects of young Black people in the UK by providing paid work experience across a wide range of sectors. It also seeks to provide training and development opportunities to create a sustainable cycle of mentorship and sponsorship for the Black community.

On December 09, 10,000 Black Interns released an update, revealing that at least 462 firms have signed up. Many of the firms come from the fund management industry, which is where the programme traces its roots from. Since then, it has expanded into the insurance, banking, technology, recruitment and construction & real estate industries.

Among the insurance firms that have joined the programme are Admiral, AIG, Allianz, AXA XL, Covea, Direct Line, Howden, Hyperion, MetLife, Optio Group, Phoenix Group, Rothesay,  RSA, SCOR, Swiss Re, Vitality, and Zurich Insurance.

The Association of British Insurers has also pledged support for the programme.

According to a spokesperson for the programme, over 1,000 internships have been confirmed for six weeks in summer 2022. The programme is confident that it can reach its target of 2,000 internships early next year. It seeks to achieve 2,000 placements each year for five years to meet the 10,000 goal it is named after.