Media Trust & Leo Burnett Reframing Disability Mentoring Programme
Join Media Trust and Leo Burnett in moving the dial on Disabled and Neurodivergent talent in advertising
Media Trust and leading ad agency Leo Burnett have partnered for a second year to deliver an exclusive mentoring programme for Disabled and/or Neurodivergent talent entering the advertising industry.
This year, we’re offering five mentee places on our six-month virtual mentoring programme, designed to support talented creatives at the start of their advertising careers. No experience is required, just a passion and enthusiasm for learning. Career changers are warmly encouraged to apply.
Applications for the 2025 programme are now open.
Apply nowWhat is the Reframing Disability Mentoring Programme?
Disabled people make up 14% of the UK’s working-age population, yet only 11% of people working in advertising identify as disabled. The Reframing Disability Mentoring Programme aims to tackle a lack of representation for Disabled and/or Neurodivergent talent by providing a structured and engaging mentoring programme, in partnership with advertising agency Leo Burnett.
As part of the programme, participants will be hand-matched with senior professionals from across Leo Burnett UK and supported through:
- 1:1 virtual mentoring
- Monthly workshops
- Peer support
- Developing a creative project brief
The programme also includes an in-person meet-up at Leo Burnett’s agency-wide volunteering day in July.
With 100% of mentees in 2024 stating that the programme supported their next career step, this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who identifies as Disabled and/or Neurodivergent looking to get started in advertising.
I feel like this programme gave me the opportunity to be seen by industry professionals, and gain connections that were less accessible to me as a disabled person with a unique route into industry. It also gave me a great boost of confidence that my disability was not a big a barrier into the industry as I suspected, and that I had value and skills to offer.
Helena Banks, 2024 mentee and now Junior Strategist at Leo Burnett!
How will this programme be delivered?
The structure and content of this programme will be adjusted to cater for the access needs of all participants. This includes but is not limited to: BSL interpretation, live captioning, access to recordings and transcripts, and provision of alternative format resources.
Leo Burnett and Media Trust are also offering bursaries to support mentees with personal access needs. This could include the cost of caring responsibilities, assistive technology, access to the internet, or adjustments and support for a health condition.
How can I apply?
Applications for the 2025 programme are now open! Please apply via our online application form.
If you have any questions you’d like to discuss with us prior to applying, please get in touch with Daisy at daisyc@mediatrust.org.
Applications close Monday 30 June.
Apply nowIn partnership with:
Our Corporate Partners
We enjoy outstanding support from the media industry. Our partners include:
