Global socially-led creative agency We Are Social is today announcing the launch of We Are Upstarts - a new six-week creative placement developed in partnership with the Creative Mentor Network.

Open to influencers, photographers, artists, filmmakers, animators, developers, side-hustlers and creative freethinkers; the scheme is aimed at finding the most up-and-coming, diverse talent the UK has to offer. Previous advertising experience is not necessary and candidates are paid the London living wage. To complement the scheme, We Are Social has introduced a policy whereby it no longer accepts family and friends on work placements, ensuring that everyone has an equal chance of benefiting from experience at the agency.

Those selected for the scheme will be overseen by four We Are Social mentors, who have been trained by the Creative Mentor Network. From 16th July - 24th August, the three trainees will undergo a series of two-week rotations through the agency’s editorial, design and creative departments; and will get the opportunity to work on a compartmentalised live brief within each discipline. One person will be in with the chance of gaining an offer from We Are Social for a permanent position or a year-long mentorship, following completion of the programme.

The application process is open via the We Are Upstarts website from today until the 15th June 2018. Candidates who wish to apply will have the option of attending a free event at We Are Social’s London offices on 31st May, which will give them the opportunity to hear more about the application process, get a feel for the agency and meet the team, and receive advice on how to approach the video-focused creative brief on the application.

We Are Upstarts is part of a longer-term relationship between We Are Social and the Creative Mentor Network, which will see more of its London team trained as mentors and join school outreach programmes to help breakdown some of the barriers to entry to the industry. This relationship is also part of an ongoing commitment by We Are Social to develop a more inclusive industry. The agency is a founding member of the Advertising Diversity Task Force and has also formed its own internal diversity group.

Alistair Campbell, executive creative director at We Are Social commented, “As we look for new ways to help encourage a wider range of talent into our industry, we’re proud to have had the opportunity to work with the Creative Mentor Network to develop this programme. One of the biggest issues with attracting young talent can be a lack of awareness around the opportunities available within the creative industries, and being able to reach and help grow this talent from school age is a hugely exciting opportunity.”

Isabel Farchy, founder of the Creative Mentor Network added, “Young people are often left unprepared for managing the gap between school and employment, especially if they’re considering a creative path. Having partners who are willing to give up their time to help inform and mentor them is a huge asset, and can help break down the walls which prevent people for entering the industry.”