With applications now open for #10000AbleInterns, we wanted to share our experience participating in #10000BlackInterns.

The programme’s mission is to support black heritage students and graduates realise their potential and transform their horizons with paid internships across more than 25 sectors.

Since the programme began two years ago over 2500 internships have been completed across over 700 participating firms across over 25 different sectors from accountancy to utilities. Paid internships are a minimum of six weeks and take place across the UK.

#10000blackinterns supports applicants by matching students’ or graduates’ sectors of interest and support them with a range of online pre-internship training and development.

Here at 106 Communications, we have been committed to offering two six-week paid internships since the very inception of the programme back in 2021.

Jayne Cullen and Henry Davies from 106 chaired the Marketing and Advertising Steering group who very proudly secured over 100 paid internships in our sector.

In July 2022 Blessing and Millie joined us here in our fab offices in London as account executives. Millie, having worked on live client projects as part of her internship, was able to showcase her social media and content writing skills and started in her new full time social media content manager role with 106 at the beginning of September after a well-earned holiday!

“My internship with 106 Communications was invaluable as I was made to feel part of the team from day dot and gained so much experience that I now feel confident in my full-time role. I had the opportunity to speak with clients about their live projects and contribute my own ideas, which were well received. Without the 10000 Black Interns programme, I wouldn’t have felt confident applying to internships or graduate roles,” said Millie.

Henry Davies founder of 106 has committed the business to two more interns for 2023 explaining his decision as, “One of the most amazing things we’ve ever done as a business. We had two exceptional people join us over the summer, bringing great skills but also insights and lived experience that has made us think about the work we do with clients as much as the way we recruit ourselves.  I can’t recommend the programme enough.”

Although the applications for 2023 are now closed, check out the foundation’s new venture ‘10,000 Able Interns‘ aiming to find placements for individuals with disabilities.