Progressive agencies are increasingly recognising that building back better in a post-pandemic world involves more than just empty promises when it comes to diversity and inclusion.

With this in mind PR agency MSL UK is making strides to break down barriers to entry into the industry, with a new programme which aims to support aspiring junior creatives who are looking to kick-start their professional lives. 

The agency believes that for too long, the PR industry has been closed to junior talent without the traditional degrees, qualifications or experience. It hopes this new industry-first initiative will help break down those barriers to create a new ‘creative collective.’

In partnership with Supa Network, a 5,000-strong community of talented creatives from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds, the programme will provide applicants from these same backgrounds, access to work for one of the biggest global networks and their  roster of clients, which includes Disney+, Rimmel and PUMA. 

The programme has been formed with one single objective; accelerating careers, regardless of background or traditional educational attainment.  Open to 18-27 year old’s with no degree, qualifications or experience, the agency believes the six-month programme will provide a stepping stone and opportunity for new, raw talent. 

All applicants will come away with experience handling live briefs from leading brands, as well as a broader network of contacts, direct access into the industry and the potential of a full-time role at MSL. The applicants will also receive £1,000, bespoke training from  MSL and Supa, creative coaching, access to clients and a final major project set in collaboration with a charity. 

According to MSL, the programme complements their existing diversity and inclusion strategy called Embrace-Change, which led to 66% of MSL UK hires in 2020 coming from diverse backgrounds.

Jo Grierson, MSL UK Managing Director, explained: “We have a simple ambition at MSL to create a home for diverse, fresh talent. We want everyone to feel at home, feel like they belong and that they can thrive..”

Bejay Mulenga, Supa Network, Managing Director at Supa Network, added “We continue to work extremely closely with communities of young people across the UK. Our work, as well as official research, shows that the largest group affected by unemployment in the UK are individuals within the 16-24 age group, which has been massively exacerbated as a result of the pandemic.”

He continued:  “As we continue to rebuild and work with these talented people, we feel that it is even more important to increase the talent programmes available to ensure that organisations are working with the brightest and the best. We are confident that we can offer some life-changing opportunities via our partnership with MSL”.

To find out more about the programme and where to apply, click here.