Calling creative industry professionals & aspiring creatives! Become a mentor or mentee with the Creative Opps Mentorship Programme 2026. Paid expenses, real support, real impact. Deadline: Mon 16 Feb.
Creative Opps Mentorship Programme 2026
Deadline: Monday 16 February 2026
Programme start: March/April 2026
Calling All Creative Industry Professionals — and Aspiring Creatives
Many young people want to build careers in the creative industries, but access to meaningful guidance, long-term support, and professional networks remains limited.
Research shows that while 76% of people believe having a mentor is important, only 37% actually have one (Forbes). For those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, the gap is even wider — shaped by unpaid labour expectations, limited networks, and short-term interventions that don’t support sustained growth.
At Creative Opps, we believe real progress comes from consistent relationships, shared knowledge, and collective care. Creative careers are rarely linear — and access should never depend on luck or insider connections. Proper support builds confidence, develops skills, and creates clearer pathways into the industry.
Why Become a Mentor?
As a mentor, you’ll play a vital role in helping dismantle structural barriers such as economic disadvantage, limited social capital, and under-representation across the creative sector.
Mentors are paired with a young creative and commit to:
- 1–2 hours per month
- Over six months
- With a personalised development plan, co-designed with your mentee
The programme supports mentors based in England and Wales and offers reasonable expenses to remove financial barriers to participation.
You’ll also be invited to an in-person mixer event, bringing mentors together to connect, reflect, and celebrate the programme’s impact.
Proven Impact
Our mentorship model delivers real outcomes:
- 96% of mentees improve their communication skills
- 100% become better at receiving and acting on feedback
- 85% feel more confident planning their next steps
- 95% gain clarity on relevant employers and organisations
Mentors also report:
- Increased confidence advocating for socio-economic diversity
- Greater likelihood of hiring from lower-income backgrounds
Get Involved
👉 Interested in being a mentor?
If you have professional or academic experience in the creative industries and want to support the next generation of talent, we’d love to hear from you.
👉 Interested in being a mentee?
If you’re aged 16–30, have big aspirations, and would benefit from guidance, encouragement, and practical support as you navigate your creative career, this programme is for you.
How to Apply
👉 Interested in being a mentor?
Apply here:
Creative Opps Mentorship Scheme - Mentor Applications – Fill out form
If you have skills, insight, or experience you believe a young person could benefit from, please complete the mentor application form.
Become a Mentee
Apply here: Creative Opps Mentorship Scheme - Mentee Applications – Fill out form
If you’re aged 16–30, have big aspirations, and would benefit from guidance, encouragement, and practical support as you navigate your creative career, this programme is for you.
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].