In a world where opportunities can feel limited, Boma (Praise) Jumbo’s story shines as a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the transformative strength of diversity.
Praise’s original career aspirations changed while she was building the foundations of an exciting future of banking and financial services - demonstrating the rewards of learning from setbacks, embracing new paths, and growing through challenges.
Throughout her apprenticeship so far, Praise has experienced incredible personal and professional growth. We caught up with Praise where she shared the impact of mentorship, her passion for advocacy, and her commitment to helping others reach their goals.
Her accomplishments are impressive, as she won the ‘Apprenticeship Advocacy’ award at the Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards 2024, and became a finalist at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards 2024 within her first year. Yet, her greatest success lies in her growth as a person, and her dedication to supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to reach their career goals.
Praise’s journey is proof that diversity and inclusion are much more than ideas - they are powerful forces that open doors, inspire change, and empower people to achieve extraordinary things.
Here’s how our conversation went.
Work experience on an apprenticeship
Could you tell us about your career so far?
My career has been full of rewarding opportunities which I’ll forever be grateful for. I’ve met so many people who have had a huge impact on my journey and growth - many who have become mentors and friends.
It’s not always been easy as this is my first proper job and at such a young age. I found it difficult to adapt at times but I’m grateful for the support and encouragement from my team, manager, and support system.
Was banking and financial services always the plan?
The plan was always originally to become a nurse. I was even interviewed by the BBC on an RAF base in Oxford as I had applied to be a student nurse in the RAF. However, that path didn’t work out for me so I began to look more into apprenticeships, which led me to banking and financial services.
I certainly didn’t think I’d be saying this a year ago, but I’m grateful for the disappointments and rejections as they led me to where I’m meant to be.
How has the support been from Kaplan and HSBC?
The support has been nothing short of amazing - a huge shout-out to my first Talent Coach, Claire, and my current, Laura. As part of the Kaplan Apprenticeship Advisory Panel (KAAP), I’ve also gained insight into how Kaplan works to support apprentices’ journeys and the great initiatives and strategies being put forward.
At HSBC, my team and manager have been pivotal to my success. From answering silly questions to encouraging, teaching, and pushing me out of my comfort zone to help me meet new people - the support and understanding have been amazing.
Have you developed any skills that could be harder to gain through traditional routes?
One key skill I’ve developed is networking. I’ve always been an introvert and I believe that going down a traditional route wouldn’t have helped me come out of my shell and improve my communication skills as much as my apprenticeship has.
Within my role, I meet different people often. Therefore, communication and the ability to be comfortable around new people in a short period is important.
Members of the KAAP network at the 2024 Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards
Studying on an apprenticeship
How have you developed within your job role?
My studies were the foundation I needed to fully get into my job role and understand exactly what I’m doing, how to do it, and why I’m doing it.
It’s always fascinating to see something that I’ve read about play out in real life. For example, reading about a regulation and then having the same regulation be a key part of a review in work.
What advice would you give to those struggling with their studies?
Take it slow and ask for help when you need it.
As apprentices, there’s a pressure that a lot of us put on ourselves to prove our worth to the business, so we might put ourselves out there more than we need to. This can mean that we put our studies on the back burner and focus solely on working.
It’s wonderful to want to prove yourself and get involved in other projects, but the theory is just as important as the practical. Take the dedicated study time, de-stress, take vacations, go on walks, and most importantly - don’t be scared to ask for help f you need it.
Do you have your top three study tips?
- Always have a highlighter - highlighting key information is great for retention and helps you to be more concise when embedding it into an essay.
- Flashcards (my holy grail) - try the spaced repetition technique where you study them over them, try to study them around twice a week, and then again the next week.
- Try not to procrastinate - The more you think about a task, the less likely you are to start it - so just do it!
“I’m grateful for the disappointments and rejections because they led me to where I’m meant to be.”
Advancing equality, diversity, and social mobility through apprenticeships and the industry
Has your apprenticeship opened any doors that could have been difficult to open otherwise?
Yes - my apprenticeship has allowed me to contribute to amazing initiatives and communities. I’ve attended networking events, learnt new skills, and gained knowledge.
I’ve spoken to many impactful professionals who I wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t an apprentice, and I wouldn’t have been able to be financially independent if I wasn’t an apprentice.
These are just a few of the opportunities and doors that being an apprentice has opened for me.
Praise Jumbo and Kaplan CEO, Kathy Walton, celebrating Praise’s 2024 Kaplan Apprenticeship Award for the ‘Apprenticeship Advocate’ category.
Do you feel that apprenticeships in the finance industry provide more accessible pathways into the sector?
Yes, I do - there’s a saying that goes, “When you’re in, you’re in,” and I believe this applies to the finance industry.
Breaking into the industry through an apprenticeship allows you to explore various pathways and roles. I like to think of this as someone opening a door and walking into a room full of more doors.
Particularly entry-level apprenticeships are great for individuals who have recently completed their GCSEs. Therefore, this breaks any barriers that suggest you need to go to university or be highly educated to work in finance.
Not only this, but apprenticeships break financial barriers as the education is paid for by the organisation. This helps people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to get the education and work experience they need to achieve their dreams and aspirations.
Can you tell us about what being a finalist at the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards meant to you?
As someone from a minority background, femininity and the colour of my skin have often been seen as a limitation and not a strength. Coming to a foreign country at 15, those thoughts were always at the back of my mind. I was told to pursue easier career options, as individuals with the colour of my skin tend to thrive more in those positions.
Being a finalist for an award, within a couple of months after starting my apprenticeship, has helped me realise that my gender and the colour of my skin have never been limitations but strengths that have made me who I am. All I had to do was tap into those strengths and utilise them.
My passion for diversity and inclusion, apprenticeships, and my journey - this award helped me to prove to myself that I can do anything I want to do and that I’m right where I’m meant to be. I’m making an impact even when I don’t see it.
I hope my story encourages anyone who’s been told they can’t do something because of who they are or the colour of their skin. And I hope my nominations stand as a testament that those words mean nothing.
“Femininity and the colour of my skin have often been seen as a limitation and not a strength.
Being a finalist for an award just months after starting my apprenticeship helped me realise that my gender and the colour of my skin have never been limitations, but strengths that have made me who I am.
All I had to do was tap into those strengths and utilise them.”
What's an experience where you’ve felt diversity and inclusion make a positive difference in your apprenticeship?
On my first day of work, I was given a tour of the office where I was taken through an area where some of the doors had the names of previous CEOs. I remember thinking to myself, “My name will be on one of these doors one day.”
Even if my name isn’t on a door - I still want to be in a leadership position, but it seemed unattainable.
Throughout my apprenticeship, I have met many women of colour who are in leadership positions, and this helped me believe in my vision more and more each time. Nothing has more impact than seeing people who look like you, where you want to be. There’s a level of confidence and unspoken assurance this has on an individual.
This is just one of the positive differences that diversity and inclusion have had on my journey so far, and I believe it will continue to impact my career.
Praise Jumbo attending a meeting with the KAAP network.
How important has mentorship been in your career?
Mentorship is incredibly important to me. There are times when I’ve felt confused about decisions or what path to take, and having mentors to learn from their experiences has been key in helping me avoid big mistakes.
A lot can be done to ensure that underrepresented groups in finance have role models that can resonate with their challenges, struggles, wins, and concerns.
Myths, misconceptions, and stereotypes
Please can you share your responses or thoughts to the following statements:
“Apprenticeships are for people who struggled academically.”
I had this view before my apprenticeship but it quickly changed. I don’t believe they are for people who struggled academically, I think they’re for people who are eager to gain practical skills and work experience, regardless of their educational background or capability.
Apprenticeships are valuable for people of all academic abilities. If an individual is teachable, has ambition, and has the zeal to accomplish those ambitions, then they are more than capable of doing an apprenticeship.
“Apprenticeships limit the possibility of exploring opportunities outside of your chosen job role or industry.”
Apprenticeships open doors to many opportunities. Outside of my day job, I’m also an early career ambassador. I enjoy going to schools and speaking to pupils about the opportunities available in the world of apprenticeships and finance. I’ve also had opportunities to meet and speak to people from different firms and roles through networking events, which can be key if I ever want to change roles or companies.
“There is a severe lack of diversity in the finance industry.”
I’d say that, compared to 2010, it’s improved in the finance industry and we’ve come a long way in having more people from ethnic minorities in finance. But we still have a long way to go, especially in leadership positions.
There’s still a significant under-representation of individuals from minority backgrounds, and I believe a lot of work needs to be done to change the narrative.
“Women in finance will often struggle to progress.”
Again, I believe this has improved over time but there’s a lot of work still to be done. Breaking down negative stereotypes and being aware of unconscious biases and how to manage them are a few of the things that can be done to improve this.
Are there any other misconceptions that you don’t agree with?
“You have to be good at maths to work in finance.”
Although it can be true to an extent, it’s dependent on the role you go for. Some roles will require good maths skills, but there are so many different areas to finance such as HR, compliance, regulatory engagement, legal, etc. I still believe it’s a miracle that I passed my maths GCSE but I still work in finance.
“You can’t do an apprenticeship after university.”
You can do an apprenticeship after university and, usually, this would be a level 7 apprenticeship which is equivalent to a master’s degree.
“You can only do one apprenticeship.”
It’s possible to do several apprenticeships (and in different areas). I don’t even think there’s a limit to the number of apprenticeships you can do.
Winning the Apprenticeship Advocate award at the Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards 2024
How did you feel about winning the Kaplan Apprenticeship Award?
I was in pure disbelief - I never imagined I would win. When I first found out I won, I froze for a few minutes and asked my partner how and why I won! I didn’t feel deserving of such an amazing recognition, and it still feels surreal to me.
But I feel indescribably grateful and honoured to be a recipient of the award.
What made you join the Kaplan Apprenticeship Advisory Panel?
I saw it as an opportunity to make a positive impact on my and other apprentices’ journeys. It’s also an opportunity to advocate for positive changes and ensure the voices of my fellow apprentices are heard.
It’s important to talk about the values of apprenticeships as it helps to eliminate misconceptions while shining a light on all the positives about being an apprentice.
“I have had the opportunity to attend networking events, learn new skills, and gain more knowledge - and it’s free of charge in most cases.”
What's a memorable moment from your apprenticeship that solidified your decision to advocate for this pathway?
There are two that I recall.
One memorable moment was before my apprenticeship started. I was depressed and my mental health had taken a huge hit after facing numerous rejections. I remember sitting in my living room and I made a prayer and a promise that when I got an apprenticeship, I would advocate for apprentices and help individuals who want to follow this path.
So, with every initiative I’m part of, each event I attend, each success story I hear, and every apprentice or aspiring apprentice I meet - my decision solidifies a little bit more.
“Nothing has more impact than seeing people who look like you, where you want to be.”
A second moment happened when my God sister called to announce she had gotten an apprenticeship as a gas engineer. Months of encouraging her to apply, coaching her and providing tips had finally paid off! I was ecstatic for her, and seeing how much she enjoys what she does has been something that’s pushed me further.
What's something you’re most proud of from your apprenticeship journey?
I’m most proud of my growth. I started my apprenticeship as a timid person who didn’t know anything about the corporate world or what I was supposed to do. Over time, and despite personal struggles, I have grown in confidence and knowledge and overcome challenges.
Although I’m far from the outspoken and confident person that I’m aiming to be, I’m proud of how far I’ve come so far.
What are your plans for the future?
For now, I play to stay in my current role to learn as much as I can. I want to be more confident in my capabilities while strengthening existing and developing new skills, but I could explore other roles in the future.
I want to also become more involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives that create opportunities for individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as guiding aspiring apprentices from those backgrounds through the skills they need.
Finally, I also plan on getting my law degree at some point. I never went to university, and continuous learning is a passion of mine.
If you could summarise your journey in one sentence, what would it be?
“My apprenticeship has been a transformative experience, which has combined professional growth with advocacy for young professionals.”
And, finally, would you recommend an apprenticeship to others?
Yes - and I always will.
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