Apply 2022

The creative industries account for 6.9% of all UK jobs (2.29m jobs in total).*

With so many options and so much information out there, it can be difficult to know how to take your next step and find your place. 

This is where we come in!

This year we have TWO programmes you can apply to our traditional 1-1 scheme and a group mentoring programme.

We recommend you apply to both, as they can be taken together!

Check out our amazing mentors here.

New this year: Participants that fulfill the requirements will be eligible to earn a digital badge which will recognise the experience, skills and competencies gained during the mentorship.

Badges recognising accomplishments outside of formal educational structures are increasingly valuable in today’s workforce and you can add it to your CV and social media. All badges are written using the Cities of Learning Badge Standard, which is endorsed by City and Guilds and the RSA.

Supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

In partnership with Underpinned and Butter.

Group Mentoring Scheme

This group mentoring programme has been specially designed to enable you to get first hand knowledge and insights from top industry professionals, whilst building a supportive network to help you continue on your path to success. 

The programme aims to help give women and non-binary people the chance to up-skill, learn about various career paths across the creative industries, connect with peers and build your own career plan to suit your needs.

How will it work?

  • Online sessions on topics such as careers in Visual Arts, Live Arts, Freelancing, Networking, Recruitment Strategies and beyond.  

  • Networking portal and events.

  • Additional learning resources.

  • Tasks to develop your career path after each session.

  • Peer-to-peer mentoring through an online portal.

  • Come out with a solid career plan.

Who is it for?

The programme is aimed primarily at women & non-binary people aged 18+, working in (or aiming towards) the creative industries across England.

However we urge as many people to take part as possible, so if you feel like this programme is for you, then it more than likely is!

We consider every application, and we especially welcome and encourage applications from candidates who are underrepresented in the creative industries.

Acceptance Criteria / Group Mentoring

We are looking for passionate, vibrant and proactive people who are committed to pursuing creative careers and creating change within the creative industries.

Applicants do not need to have prior experience working within a creative role, however you must demonstrate strong interest in pursuing a career path within the sector. 

In our review of applications, we will give special consideration to people currently under-represented in creative workforces which includes:

  • Women & non-binary people aged 18+

  • People who identify as BAME, LGBTQIA+ and/or persons with disabilities, including audio/visual access needs

  • People out of employment

  • People across England’s cities & rural areas 

What is the process once I apply?

After filling in the form, we will take a look at your application. We will let you know whether or not you’ve been successful. If you are accepted into the programme, you will receive an email confirming your place with the next steps.  

You  will get...

  • Access to a minimum of 8 sessions of virtual learning and networking with industry-leading experts on topics around recruitment, networking, careers in visual arts, music, live arts, communications, wellbeing for creatives, how to go freelance and more. 

  • Access to a networking portal with additional learning resources and video recordings.

  • Virtual Certificate of Completion to add to your CV, depending on attendance and terms.

Want to apply?

1-1 Mentoring Scheme

The third edition of our award winning mentoring programme will give women and non-binary people, aged 18+, the chance to develop their creative careers through four individual sessions with a mentor. 

Data gathered by LinkedIn in March 2020 shows that women around the world are 14% – 38% less likely than men to have a strong network. ILN’s mentoring programme provides a place for women and non-binary people to connect, expand their networks and take the next steps towards a creative career. 

The mentoring sessions are tailored to the unique needs of the chosen mentee, and mentors will provide a solid and individual approach in order to support mentees to achieve their chosen career goals, whatever they may be. 

How will it work?

  • Access an induction session to better prepare for the programme.

  • Schedule four sessions between October 2022 - January 2023 with your mentor.

  • Online/remote unless decided otherwise.

  • You define the agenda and goals with the mentor!

  • We encourage all mentees to also participate in the group programme (see below).

  • Access to an online community with your fellow mentees.

  • For more information on the mentoring programme and sessions, please see our FAQs and read our mentoring terms and conditions.

You can expect to gain more insight into what it takes to build a career in the creative industries, as well as what a typical day in the life of your mentor is like. You’ll also learn how to make the best use of your skills, boost your confidence and build a network that can be maintained long-term. 

Applications for the 1-1 mentoring scheme are now closed

FAQs Group Mentoring Scheme

When do applications close?

Group Mentoring applicantions have been extendend until 14 October 2022 at 4.00 pm BST. The 1-1 mentoring scheme applications closed at 11.59pm BST on 10th October.

Is the programme free?

Yes, it is 100% free!

The programme is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England with additional support from Underpinned and Butter.

Will the sessions be recorded and available afterwards?

Yes. For a limited time the recordings will be made available through our portal only.

What equipment or technology will I need?

A computer with internet connection is all you need!

I'm not from the UK, can I still apply?

This programme is for UK -based participants only at this stage.

Do I need to take time off work to participate?

No. Sessions will be scheduled after work hours or during lunch hours so you can participate while working.

Will I receive anything upon completion?

If you attend 75% of sessions, reply to our surveys and send your final project in due time, you will receive a certificate of completion.