We spoke to Malachi Swen, a Level 7 apprentice at Morrisons, who was highly commended in the Apprenticeship Advocate category at the Kaplan Apprenticeship Awards 2024.
Apprenticeships offer more than just qualifications - they provide a pathway to stability, growth, and invaluable skills for life. But for apprentices like Malachi Swen, this journey can be transformative - as long as you’re willing to grab every opportunity with both hands.
From overcoming challenges during his childhood, to finding his footing in the corporate world, Malachi’s story is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of social mobility, and the opportunities that apprenticeships can create.
Could you tell us about your career so far?
I’m currently a Level 7 apprentice at Morrisons on a finance scheme, and I also serve as an events coordinator for the Black Apprentice Network. Additionally, I’ve worked with Kaplan during Enrichment Week.
I moved to the UK and had to redo a sixth form year due to differences in the education system compared to Belfast, where I previously lived. Since age 15, I’ve worked various jobs, and a work experience stint with HSBC confirmed my passion for finance - therefore, an apprenticeship was the best path for me.
Before your apprenticeship, before you started it, what did you expect?
I expected long hours in a busy office, eating lunch at my desk. But speaking to other apprentices, I realised that good companies shouldn’t treat me like that.
I also expected that, as an apprentice, my time would be spent printing meeting documents and making coffees, but that hasn’t been the case at all.
Have you encountered any challenges?
In my cohort of three, two colleagues were in the same department and immediately thrown into the deep end, whereas my onboarding was more gradual. However, after a few months, I was suddenly leading meetings and preparing reports to be sent straight to the finance director. That quick shift was a little stressful, but I do prefer it now - I love that busy feeling.
My main challenge was learning to balance speed with accuracy. I like to work at a faster pace, but the person who would teach me emphasised the importance of slowing down, taking a step back, and double-checking my work to avoid mistakes.
How has the support been from Kaplan and your employer?
My Talent Coach has been clear and consistent about what to expect for my EPA since the very beginning. She’s helped me to understand timelines and each outcome if I pass or fail my exams.
As well as this, when I failed my second exam, my employer was incredibly supportive. They asked if they could adjust my workload to help me focus and prepare for future exams. I’ve met apprentices from other companies who have felt belittled after failing, but at Morrisons, the priority is ensuring you have everything you need to succeed.
What are some tips for someone who is studying and working?
- Keep your manager in the loop - let them know if you’re involved in eternal projects, like my work with the Black Apprentice Network, so they can support you.
- Consistent revision - for me, one of the reasons why I failed my second exam was because I’d cram my revision into a seven-hour session. I now dedicate an hour daily to practice questions, and I feel like I’m in a good place for my next exam.
- Balance priorities - life is a triangle: work, studies, and social life. Sometimes one will be more important than the other, but it’s essential to aim for balance overall.
The importance of social mobility and inclusion
Could you tell us about what you do for the Black Apprentice Network?
I’m on the youth panel and finance committee for UK City of Culture 2025, which is Bradford. I recently became a school governor, and I also visit secondary schools to talk about the value of apprenticeships as part of the Early Careers initiative with Morrisons.
What made you want to get into this volunteer work?
I’ve always loved education and helping others. Moving here from Belfast, I don’t live with my family, so I wanted to fill my time meaningfully. When Morrisons showed me the network, I said yes to the opportunity.
As the first in my family to work in a corporate environment, I’ve also been motivated by my mum's advice: “Go and get the education you need to get, and that will always stay with you.”
This has been something I’ve valued throughout my life.
Has the apprenticeship opened any opportunities for you that may have not been as accessible otherwise?
Apprenticeships carried a stigma of being limited to ‘working class jobs.’ But now, they’re recognised as a route to prestigious careers in industries like banking or law, all while learning and getting paid.
My personal journey involved being homeless for most of my childhood, attending 20 different primary schools, and never staying in one place for long. I’ve lived in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and I’ve never had a steady route to progression. I know people with similar backgrounds who struggle to keep a part-time job, let alone find full-time work.
The stability of an apprenticeship has been transformative. I’ve never stayed in one place for more than a year before now, and the fact that I’ve lived in the same flat for over a year is new to me.
I can go to work and see the same people every day - and, to me, that’s a blessing.
For others, who may not have left the house or area they grew up in, apprenticeships can provide variety and exposure to new industries, cities, and personalities - all while also providing the opportunity to gain qualifications while earning.
What are some key messages regarding social mobility in this industry?
When it comes to social mobility, it’s very easy for me to sit there and think, “I’m the only person who looks like me in this room, so I don’t know what progression looks like.”
However, I can also take a step back and say, “I got this apprenticeship because I was the best at what I did during the application process.”
Either way, the message that needs to be conveyed is that a lot of people who apply for these apprenticeships aren’t the kids who went to private schools or have parents who have a lot of money. So it’s important to remind people who are hired that they were hired for being themselves, not to fit a quota.
“Making the application process activities more widespread will allow others to enter these industries.”
Have you noticed any barriers or challenges regarding apprenticeships within the finance sector?
Unrealistic expectations
Many companies expect school-leaves to have extensive experience, which isn’t realistic. People are trying to find unpaid work at banks or firms so that they can find a job - which is much harder than even getting on an apprenticeship if you don’t know the right people.
Cultural barriers
To provide a specific example, I’m surrounded by a lot of people who grew up in the Muslim community. A lot of them were taught that when an adult is speaking, you don’t interrupt. The same applies when in a crowd setting.
So, if an application process requires a group interview - the whole point is to interject and make sure your voice is heard. That’s a very difficult thing to do if you’ve grown up in a culture that teaches you not to do that, therefore you’re naturally going to struggle to compete with other candidates.
Although that’s a very specific example, it’s still a huge barrier for people trying to get into the finance industry.
“I can go to work and see the same people every day - and, to me, that’s a blessing.”
How can businesses make the application process, and the workplace, more inclusive?
It’s a difficult topic to answer, but I’d say that we need to shift from ‘equality’ to ‘equity.’
For example, companies should adjust hiring processes to allow quieter candidates to shine and demonstrate their strengths outside of group settings.
Online tests are also a barrier. Many applicants, including me, excel in face-to-face interactions rather than multiple-choice questionnaires. And, surely, it’s not easy for hiring managers to get an idea of a candidate’s personality or whether they’re hard-working based on those questions.
Making application processes more varied and accessible will help diverse candidates enter the industry and feel welcomed in the process.
Are there any examples of how your employer works to make the working environment more inclusive?
Yes - they do their absolute best to celebrate cultural diversity through events such as Black History Month, Ramadan and South Asian Heritage Month. This isn’t just in their stores but behind the scenes in the office environment.
I ran a presentation for Black History Month, and around 60 people took the time out of their day to attend it. During Ramadan, a lot of people were fasting, so we held an evening so they could break their fast together in the office. During events like South Asian Heritage Month, they’ll make sure that the canteen has South Asian food for us to try.
Not only this, but they also invite diverse suppliers to showcase their products - sparking conversations about collaboration with underrepresented businesses.
And finally - are there any impactful lessons from mentors that have inspired you today?
I once shared my concerns with the CFO of Rail Delivery Group about lacking role models who looked like me. He grew up in Nigeria and noticed the difference in his surroundings when he moved to the UK.
His advice stuck with me:
“If there’s no one that looks like you in a room, that makes you the most interesting person in that room.”
This perspective has been the most impactful thing I’ve learnt so far, and inspires me to embrace my unique story. I’m never going to be in a room of a hundred Malachis, but I have a story to share just like anyone else.