TBWA, McCann Manchester, AmazeRealise, BBC North and Havas are just some of the industry names that are supporting Creative Equals, an organisation set up to help empower women in the North back into work.
A confidence boosting bootcamp will be held on March 19th-22nd with the aim of placing women on the course into roles with creative businesses and agencies in the North West. The first one held outside of London.
Creative Equals, the organisation championing diversity in the creative industries, has launched a ‘Returners’ programme for 2019, backed by a £65,000 grant from the Government Equalities Office. Its four day bootcamp will provide industry updates for ladies who have been out of the game, as well as classes in professional confidence and tactical workshops where women will work on a brief and present a live pitch. Talking about the Returners programme, Ali Hanan, said:
“Going back to work after a career break is hugely daunting for women. With such a great amount of talent out there, we are looking for creative women who have been out for an extended break who want to retrain with some of the top creatives in the industry – and can find a job they love in companies who are open to flexible working, with job shares, part-time work or compressed hours.”
The programme is one of just five initiatives awarded by a new government start up fund aimed at tackling gender inequality. The programme is designed for mid-senior copywriters, IX/UX, art directors, producers, strategists, data analysts, designers and concept creatives.
Following the four day programme, returners will then have the opportunity to go on a 4-6-week placement with one of Creative Equals’ founding agency partners and will be supported by a dedicated coach throughout, with funding in place to help with childcare costs.
Karen Buchanan, CEO of McCann Manchester, added:
“McCann Manchester are delighted to be involved in this initiative. We recognise the challenges women face in returning to work after time out and the support and flexibility they may need in order to do so. We are looking forward to meeting women from across the North and helping to support greater equality in the industry.”
Working on the project, Programme Director, Caroline Pankhurst of Manchester based coaching and training company Be Braver, said:
“It’s exciting to see Manchester championing the return to work for female creatives and once again leading the charge in equality. The ‘Returners’ programme is free for candidates and also offers a financial support from the ‘Creative Comeback’ fund for women who need it.”
