Discover! Creative Careers has announced a significant expansion of its nationwide initiative to inspire young people aged 11 to 18 into the world of advertising, marketing, and wider creative industries. 

Backed by increased government funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the programme will now feature a month-long series of immersive experiences this November, extending its flagship Discover! Creative Careers Week into a much broader platform of opportunity.

An Extended Month of Inspiration and Industry Encounters 

At the heart of this expansion is a commitment to real-world exposure. Throughout November, students across the country will gain access to employer-led events, talks, and workshops. 

These interactive sessions will give young people a valuable glimpse into what it’s like to work in creative sectors such as advertising, art, design, craft, and computer games.

Almost 150 industry partners are already on board to deliver these encounters, demonstrating a strong cross-sector commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent.

Tackling Barriers, Driving Diversity 

The expansion follows concerning findings from Discover! Creative Careers Steering Group member, the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), which reported a drop in ethnic diversity within the advertising workforce in 2024. 

In response, the programme is working harder than ever to ensure students from all walks of life can access creative career pathways.

The initiative aims to demystify career routes that are often perceived as inaccessible, giving students – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds – genuine opportunities to explore futures in the creative economy.

The Programme Lead at Discover! Creative Careers stated that they are striving to remove barriers and reach those young people who are often overlooked. By doing so, they hope to inspire talented individuals with a variety of experiences and perspectives to consider creative careers.

Partnerships That Power the Programme

This year’s initiative will see returning support from the IPA through its AdUnlocked programme, which sends school and college students directly into creative agencies for an insider’s view of the industry. 

For 2025, the IPA is also launching an exciting partnership with Brixton Finishing School to further strengthen the impact of these efforts.

The Director of Professional Development at the IPA expressed that thy are proud to continue their support of Discover! Creative Careers. It allows thousands of young people – many of whom wouldn’t usually consider this sector – to explore the fantastic range of opportunities available to them. 

Furthermore, it was emphasised just how much it perfectly complements their Advertising Unlocked initiative.

Pilots, Partnerships, and Progress

Discover! Creative Careers is also teaming up with Speakers for Schools to host a series of virtual events, making it easier for schools nationwide to get involved. 

Meanwhile, a new work experience pilot delivered by Mission Accomplished will offer in-person placements to students in Years 10 and 11, echoing the Department for Education’s ambition to deliver two weeks of work experience to every young person.

These developments signal a growing effort not just to raise awareness, but to create practical, accessible entry points into the creative workforce.

A National Movement That’s Only Just Getting Started

With nearly 30 creative industry organisations, educators and career specialists forming its steering group – and a growing list of industry supporters – Discover! Creative Careers is proving itself as more than just a programme. It’s becoming a movement.

As the initiative looks ahead to 2025, it is calling on even more employers across the creative sectors to open their doors, share their expertise, and join the drive to shape a more inclusive, representative future for British creativity.

Conclusion: Lighting the Path for Creative Futures

The expansion of Discover! Creative Careers into a month-long programme marks a transformative step in connecting young people to the world of advertising, marketing, and the wider creative landscape. 

Through hands-on experiences, diverse industry partnerships, and a clear focus on accessibility, the initiative is setting the stage for a new generation of creators – ones that better reflect the talent, culture, and future of the United Kingdom.

For schools, students, and employers alike, this is more than just an opportunity – it’s an invitation to be part of lasting change.