ITV, Twitter and Spotify are just 3 of the 100 businesses who have united behind an innovative new challenge to fast track 300 young people in the UK into employment in the creative industries. Launched just yesterday, the Creative Pioneers Challenge will see the succesful applicants gaining apprenticeships or paid internships in some of the leading creative and digital media companies in the country. And aspiring entrepreneurs who have a business idea can also apply and can, if selected get the best support, mentoring or investment to help get their idea off the ground.

The Challenge which marks the latest phase of Nicola Mendelsohn’s IPA Presidential agenda, is being supported by sector skills council Skillset, and in partnership with the UK’s leading urban media brand Metro . And in the current economic climate, initiatives like this could not be more needed.

As Nicola Mendelsohn, IPA President and Executive Chairman and Partner, Karmarama says: “When almost a million 16-24 year olds are out of work the need for this sort of initiative couldn’t be more apparent. One hundred companies across the creative and digital media sector, and across the country, have pulled together to give 300 school leavers the opportunity to get fast tracked into their first real job, or to realise their dream of turning a business idea into a company start up. It’s a real first – an employer-led collective committed to finding a solution to the national need. “

Full details of how to enter can be found by visiting www.creativepioneers.co.uk . There are three categories of entry to choose from: Can-Do; Can-Code and Can-Start. Applicants answer 3 simple questions and upload a 60-second video of themselves explaining why they believe they are a creative pioneer in their category in order to be considered. The deadline for entries is noon on Friday 27th April.

Shortlisted candidates will take part in a speed dating event with companies offering
placements and the winning candidates will be announced at the end of July.

If you know a school leaver who you think would be interested in this, then please let them know! Opportunities like this don’t come round all that often, as we all well know!