Kickstart your Career in Advertising with Amazon Ads

Explore the world of advertising in our unique, six-month mentoring and work experience programme.

Looking for a way to kickstart your career in advertising, but unsure where to start? Dive into the world of advertising with Media Trust and Amazon Ads in our unique six-month mentoring programme.

Applications will reopen in summer 2025.

According to research, the advertising and marketing industry is projected to grow by 10% in the next decade, outpacing the average for all occupations. Yet the people who work in advertising don’t always reflect all of UK society. That’s why Media Trust and Amazon Ads have partnered to launch our own mentoring programme. Our goal? To provide diverse talent with life-changing opportunities across the advertising sector.

Kickstart Your Career in Advertising is a free, virtual programme for people from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. It is designed for people aged 18+ across the UK seeking an entry-level role in advertising. No previous experience required!

The programme

Year one of the programme ran from June – December 2024. We provided all participants with 1:1 mentoring with an Amazon Ads professional. There was also group mentoring, learning and workshops delivered in the form of monthly mentoring circles. Whilst the programme itself was delivered online we also offered an exclusive week of PAID work experience at the Amazon offices in central London. All travel and accommodation expenses were also covered, and our lucky mentees got a crash course in the Amazon way of working.

Why a career in advertising?

Advertising is a dynamic, ever-changing, and collaborative industry that puts a high value on both creativity and management skills. Many of us interact with advertising on a day-to-day basis, whether through social media, TV, events or even product packaging. A career in advertising could be the perfect fit for you if you’re interested in:

Digital innovation
Content creation
Collaborating with others
Analysing consumer trends
Project management

Who should apply?

Applications are open to individuals from less advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds who are looking to kickstart their career in advertising.

You do not need previous experience in advertising to apply for the programme. Just show us your enthusiasm within your application and let us know why you want to join the programme. Career changers are warmly welcome.

To be eligible for this programme you must be:

18+ years old
Not in full-time education
Based anywhere in the United Kingdom (Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland or England)
From a working class or less advantaged socioeconomic background

Key dates

Applications are open until 23:59 on Thursday 13 June
Induction 1: Friday June 28
Induction 2: Friday July 5

If you require the application form in alternative formats, would like to discuss access requirements or have a question about the programme, please email aoifea@mediatrust.org.

The advertising and media industry is dynamic, innovative, fast-paced and challenging. It is constantly evolving, bridging the gap between creativity and data, with innovation driving change and opportunities for brands and marketers. To remain vibrant and reflective of societal changes, the industry needs to constantly refresh itself with new talent and diverse ideas. There has never been a better time to be part of the advertising industry and I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Phil Christer, Managing Director at Amazon Ads

Accessibility

The structure and content of this programme will can be adjusted for to meet any accessibility needs, including but not limited to, BSL interpretation, live captioning, and resources in other formats. etc.

Amazon Ads & Media Trust are also offering bursaries to support mentees with any further personal access needs to participate in the programme. These could be the cost of caring cover if you have caring responsibilities or the cost of appropriate support if you have a physical or mental health condition.

Since the programme will be delivered online, if you need financial assistance to pay for enhanced mobile/WiFi connectivity, headphones, webcams etc, please let us know

Mentors

If you work at Amazon Ads and would like to apply to be a mentor, please complete the form below:

Mentor application

In partnership with:

Our Corporate Partners

We enjoy outstanding support from the media industry. Our partners include: