Driving Apprenticeship awareness in Sikh and minority ethnic communities
As the Commission on Race in Apprenticeships publishes its final report, Commissioner and former apprentice Sonja Jillich talks more about her work to break down barriers and expand access to apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am passionate about ensuring others - especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds - have access to the same opportunities.
Having completed a Graduate Apprenticeship, I understand the value they offer in building skills, confidence, and careers.
For many young people and families in ethnic minority communities, including Sikhs, awareness and understanding of apprenticeships can be limited. Many young people and their families remain unfamiliar with apprenticeships or see them as less viable than traditional university routes.
That’s why I’ve been dedicated to bridging this gap, particularly through organising community-led events like the Gurdwara careers fairs, which provided direct engagement with employers.
The second annual careers fair, hosted at Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha Glasgow - Sikh place of worship - was on Sunday 9th February 2025.
Over 250 attendees, 39 organisations, and 95 exhibitors came together to showcase apprenticeship, graduate, and other entry-level career opportunities.
This event enabled young people and parents to connect directly with employers and gain valuable insights and the confidence to make informed choices.
Employers benefit from attending these events by building connections with minority ethnic communities, attracting skilled candidates, and enhancing workforce diversity, which strengthens teams and fosters an inclusive, innovative environment
Apprenticeships played a pivotal role in shaping my career, and I am passionate about ensuring others - especially those from ethnic minority backgrounds - have access to the same opportunities.
Sonja Jillich
Commission member and Software Engineer, JP Morgan Chase
Beyond these events, my involvement with the employer-led Commission on Race in Apprenticeships has been another way to drive change.
The Commission examined racial inequalities and developed recommendations to increase participation for minority ethnic individuals.
As a former apprentice, I was able to bring valuable insights to the Commission as a commissioner and chair of the Women and Girls Short Life Working Group.
In addition to this, my work in promoting apprenticeships, STEM, and Women in Tech spans various initiatives. Through my job at JP Morgan Chase, as well as roles with the Scottish Apprenticeship Advisory Board (SAAB) and the charity SmartSTEMs, I’ve supported career fairs, collaborated with schools and universities, created promotional content, and led workshops.
Positive changes are emerging through events such as the Gurdwara careers fair, the Race Commission, and ongoing employer engagement.
More young people are considering apprenticeships, and importantly, parents’ attitudes are shifting too. Since parents play a key role in shaping career choices, this is a significant step forward.
While challenges remain, the progress made so far is encouraging. I want to continue advocating for diversity and inclusion, to break down barriers, drive awareness, and expand access to apprenticeships.
The Commission on Race in Apprenticeships
At the publication home page you can read the report, hear more from the Commissioners and get access to case studies.