Black Professionals UK (BPU), a leading organisation dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion, has announced the launch of its 2025 Black Interns and Black Talents programmes. These flagship initiatives aim to empower ethnic minority students, graduates, and professionals across Scotland and the UK with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to excel in competitive industries.
Since its debut in 2021, the Black Interns programme has made a significant impact on Scotland’s workforce by connecting ethnic minority talent with leading organisations such as BBC Scotland, Hymans Robertson, Thorntons Law, and more. These partnerships have enabled businesses to tap into diverse perspectives and innovation, contributing to Scotland’s growing reputation as a hub for inclusion and progressive talent development. The Black Interns Programme has also transformed the professional journeys of over 100 young individuals, providing them with invaluable work experience and connections. Building on this success, the Black Talents programme, introduced in 2023, expands opportunities for experienced professionals by offering returnships and permanent roles tailored to their skills and aspirations in Scotland’s thriving industries, such as technology, finance, legal, creative sectors and others.
Enoch Adeyemi, Founder and CEO of Black Professionals UK, highlighted the organisation’s vision: “We are committed to building a fairer and more inclusive workforce by creating access to career opportunities for ethnic minority professionals. We collaborate with leading Scottish employers to ensure that participants are not only prepared for their roles but also positioned to advance diversity across industries.”
Lilian Dike, Work Placement Manager at BPU, emphasised the transformative impact of the initiatives, stating: “Scotland is a vital part of our mission. By connecting participants with forward-thinking employers here, we are bridging gaps and equipping talent with the tools to thrive. Our programmes ensure that diversity isn’t just a goal but a sustained reality.”
Participants and employers in Scotland have already witnessed the transformative power of these programmes. Sandeep Gill, Inclusion Lead at BBC Scotland, praised the initiative: “Working with Black Professionals UK for the last few years has been truly brilliant. We have benefited from the talent of exceptional interns who have continued to bring nuanced perspectives and creativity to what we do both during their internship and in any roles they have secured since.”
Ihuoma Ekwueme, Former Legal Intern at Thorntons Law, reflected on the programme’s impact: “The Black Interns Programme gave me a foundation to build my legal career in Scotland. It’s a platform that I hope every ambitious, career-minded individual from an ethnic minority background gets the chance to leverage to reach the zenith of their dreams.”
Olayemi Oyedeji, Former Data Engineer Intern at Hymans Robertson, expressed gratitude for the programme: “I am grateful for the platform BPU Internship Programme has given myself and other young industry professionals. This programme gave me the opportunity to hone my skills, gain industry experience, and carve a pathway in a competitive industry.”
Similarly, Olabisi Oloyede, a former Post Production Intern at BBC Scotland, shared her appreciation: “The BPU Internship Programme gave me the tools, support, and confidence I needed to turn an internship into a career breakthrough. BPU believed in my potential and empowered me to achieve what once seemed out of reach.”
Together, these initiatives underscore Black Professionals UK’s unwavering commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the UK workforce. As the 2025 Black Interns and Black Talents programs unfold, Black Professionals UK reaffirms its dedication to advancing Scotland’s position as a leader in workplace diversity and inclusion. The organisation remains steadfast in its mission to inspire, uplift, and equip the next generation of ethnic minority professionals, ensuring they have the tools and opportunities to thrive in their chosen fields.
For more information about the Black Interns and Black Talents programmes, visit www.blackprofessionals.uk
