We’re talking about an industry worth £124 billion to the UK economy – yet access remains limited for young people from working class communities.
That’s why we’re excited to announce our new partnership with Common People, launching today on Social Mobility Day. Together, we’re bringing 100 working class creatives into classrooms across England and Wales over the next academic year through the Common People Schools Tour 25/26.
Why This Matters
Despite the UK’s global reputation for creative excellence, invisible barriers still exist for young people from underrepresented communities.
As Laura Burch, founder of Work & Class and the driving force behind this initiative, puts it: “The creative sector talks a good game when it comes to diversity, but for young people from working class backgrounds, it still feels locked behind invisible walls. I for one had no idea that these jobs existed and found my way into the industry totally by chance. This initiative is about opening the door by showing kids the real, living proof that people like them have made it in – and they can too.”
How It Works
We’re connecting young people directly with creative professionals who share their backgrounds – from advertising and design to music and media. These conversations will break down barriers by showing what roles actually exist, what they pay, and how to get started.
Tom Armstrong, co-founder of Common People, explains the approach: “The lack of access is often about not knowing where to begin. Or not being able to ask your dad’s mate who is a film director, or an ad exec to get you some work experience. We’re flipping that by putting working class creatives directly in front of the next generation. We’re not just talking at them, but connecting to them and offering them access to the networks we never had.”
Creatives from across South Yorkshire, Manchester, London, Bristol, Essex and East Sussex have already signed up to deliver the first talks, covering disciplines across the creative spectrum.
The Impact
Getting industry professionals into classrooms makes careers feel possible rather than out of reach. We know that multiple employer encounters can transform a young person’s future and boost their earnings potential – crucial at a time when numbers of young people categorised as NEET (not in education, employment or training) is approaching 1 million.
“We know that multiple encounters with employers can transform a young person’s future by boosting their chances of being in work or education and even raising future earnings,” says Sue Maskrey, our Chief Executive. “That’s why this partnership is so powerful right now. Getting creative industry professionals into classrooms – especially those who share the backgrounds of our students – makes careers feel possible, not out of reach. The creative sector adds over £124 billion to the UK economy. This isn’t just about inspiration – it’s about common sense and unlocking talent, driving social mobility, and fuelling an industry that thrives on fresh voices.”
Get Involved
The tour will also include a flagship event where 100 state school students and industry professionals will come together to network, engage with panel discussions, and begin building direct connections to the industry.
We’re encouraging other creative organisations to get involved by partnering with us and offering up time and talent to support this growing network of volunteer speakers.
Ready to be part of breaking down these barriers? Get in touch with Laura Burch or our Head of Programme, Claire McMaster, to find out more about getting involved.
