The scheme does so by placing Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) students with individual mentors from regional and national companies to provide development opportunities and an insight into career routes and the skills they require.

This is the University’s third year working with the project. Bedfordshire is one of only 15 universities that play a part in the NMC, which was founded just over two decades ago. More than 300 employers provide mentoring opportunities.

Amanda Krebs, Director of Partnership Operations at the University, said:

“Our involvement with the NMC aligns with our core value of widening access to education.

“Every student, no matter their ethnic identity or social status, should be afforded the opportunity to reach their potential. Through the scheme, we are ensuring we allow this to happen.”

The University’s Outreach and Access Team has placed 18 BAME mentees this year with the likes of Bedfordshire Police, HMRC, Marie Curie, Network Rail, The Family & Relationship Crisis Centre and the Kennedy Law Firm.

One student who took part in the programme last year, Brandon Musara, who was placed with a mentor from Metropolitan Police, said:

“When I signed up for the NMC program I can honestly say I did not expect it to be as amazing as it turned out to be.

“I learnt so much about the working environment as well as gaining skills that help me in my daily university life.”