May 08, 2024 (MENAFN via COMTEX) --
(MENAFN - Pressat) Creative and Digital Industries in Manchester boast a remarkable gross added value of £4.4bn and support 78,500 individuals. Yet, despite these impressive figures, there's an undeniable gap in opportunities for the working class in our region. Young talents from Manchester are 1.5 times more likely to face unemployment than the national average, a statistic that worsens for those who come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
Enter Creative Mentor Network , a UK charity committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the creative industries. Today, we proudly announce the launch of our groundbreaking mentoring programme, Break the Wall, in Manchester. Geared towards 16-25-year-olds from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, Break the Wall seeks to bridge the gap between aspiration and opportunity by pairing mentees with seasoned professionals from Manchester's vibrant creative industries.
Despite Manchester's recent accolade as the UK's creative capital, lucrative creative roles remain elusive for many within our community. The Policy & Evidence Centre's 2022 report highlighted a stark reality: while Manchester boasts the largest creative sector outside of London, pockets of deprivation are left behind as investment gravitates towards more affluent areas.
The latest Census data paints a sobering picture, revealing that young people in Greater Manchester face unemployment rates 1.5 times higher than the national average, with even graver odds for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Such disparities are further echoed in Labor Force statistics, which underscore the uphill battle our youth face in comparison to their counterparts in London, Surrey, and Hertfordshire.
A myriad of barriers, including network-driven recruitment practices, underfunded careers education, and substandard wages, form formidable obstacles for aspiring creatives from working-class backgrounds. At Creative Mentor Network, we recognise that true change begins with dismantling these barriers.
Break the Wall isn't just about mentorship; it's a catalyst for systemic change within the creative industry. By partnering with leading creative organisations like Sony Music, Amazon Prime Video, WeTransfer, and the Advertising Producers Association, we're not only nurturing talent but reshaping industry norms. Our programmes don't just equip young talents with skills and networks; they challenge industry leaders to become inclusive mentors and champions of socioeconomic diversity.
Through the charity's holistic approach, they are not only empowering young talents to enter the industry but ensuring they thrive within it. The impact of Creative Mentor Network's initiatives extends beyond individual success stories; it's a testament to the transformative power of mentorship and inclusivity.
As we embark on this journey in Manchester, we are calling upon local businesses to join us in championing socioeconomic diversity within the creative industries in Manchester. By creating a more inclusive and accessible industry, we can help build a stronger and more creatively diverse workforce and create a more inclusive future for Manchester's creative community.
If you or your business are interested in participating in our October programme in Manchester, please find more information and register your interest here.
Applications for mentors close at the end of June 2024.
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