The scheme will help aspiring salespeople from diverse backgrounds to join the advertising industry
The publisher will offer a number of two-year apprenticeships including training towards qualifications and the London Living Wage.
It follows a variety of opportunities created by News UK to introduce new talent. The organisation’s wider strategy includes creating a pathway to 50/50 gender split across its workforce and a 20% target of representation of ethnic minorities.
News UK has partnered with government scheme Kickstart and has pledged to create up to 100 paid placements for unemployed young people. It also launched 45 two-year long apprenticeships and established more than a dozen partnerships with diversity recruitment specialists.
So far, Sales Academy has welcomed eight commercial apprentices across areas such as print, digital and broadcast sales, The Bridge creative and The Fifth, News UK’s influencer marketing agency.
Dominic Carter, group chief commercial officer at News UK commented: “Our Academy aims not only to improve diversity within the industry, but also to provide structured and detailed training and support in the world of sales to create strong salespeople of the future, regardless of background or experience.
“For the first time, Sales Academy will provide apprentices with the best possible support and training from leaders across the broad spectrum of News UK’s brands.”
Nico Lloyd, commercial apprentice at the publisher added: “I decided to take this apprenticeship with News UK because I truly value the opportunities to learn that come along with it. Not only do I gain valuable skills on the course but I also get to learn from some of the finest in the industry at one of the most respected media corporations in the UK.
“As a young person who started his professional journey during the pandemic, I came to realise how valuable learning from others is when you’re starting out.”
