2022 programme is open for applications from those aspiring to work in or currently working in publishing or the wider creative industries
Penguin Random House UK and Creative Access, the leading social enterprise in progressive career development and support, are today announcing year 2 of their long-term programme to provide mentoring to over 500 people aspiring to work in or at entry-level in publishing by 2025. The aim is to break down barriers and myths and showcase the rich mix of roles and opportunities on offer within publishing.
The programme’s focus will be on reaching career talent from communities currently under-represented in publishing, for example in terms of ethnicity, socio-economic background or disability. It is open to people over the age of 18, including students at college or university or those who have some professional experience (in publishing or wider industries). Also welcomed are applications from those not currently in education, employment or training.
Successful applicants will be mentored by individuals who have at least two years of experience in the industry from across the different teams at Penguin Random House, including editorial, marketing, HR, design, digital, legal, technology and finance. The senior leadership team will also be participating again. There are 90 places available on this year’s programme which is open for applications from today until July 11th (2022).
This programme is designed to be an equal partnership between mentors and mentees and mutually beneficial to both. Mentees will have the chance to gain insights and expertise, develop skills and confidence, and build new connections and networks. And mentors will have the opportunity to learn from the fresh perspectives of their mentees and challenge their existing ways of thinking. To help set the new relationships up for success, Creative Access will offer training to both mentors and mentees.
Over the last year, Penguin Random House and Creative Access have partnered to offer 250 under-represented people in publishing mentorships. The impact has been significant, with 90% of mentees sharing they’d been supported by their mentor to apply for roles in publishing and 84% that their industry contacts and networks had expanded. Fifteen mentees have gone on to secure roles in publishing, five with Penguin Random House.
Josie Dobrin, CEO, Creative Access:
“As we celebrate our 10 year anniversary this year, it is fitting that we are launching the second phase of our mentoring programme with Penguin Random House, who hosted our first ever publishing trainees back in 2012. For those who have no connections or any experience in publishing, it can seem a daunting industry to navigate. This programme is designed to reach talent from under-represented backgrounds who are curious about the world and passionate about books and give them one on one support to help them access and build a career in this incredible industry.”
Val Garside, HR Director, Penguin Random House:
“We are delighted to be partnering with Creative Access again to fulfil our longer-term ambition of offering 500 mentorships by 2025. We recognise and value the mutual benefit that mentoring brings and know that our work together sparks change and creates opportunities for both mentees and mentors. Creative Access’s work to open up the industry aligns perfectly with our mission to make books for everyone, because a book can change anyone. We know that mission starts from within, and we’re excited to meet new talent through this programme.”
