Training Programme For Disabled Creatives
Creative Equals
Creative Equals Disabled Creatives programme is a FREE 15-day programme, for up to 20 creatives from across the UK who are disabled, neurodivergent, or who live with mental health or chronic health conditions.
Join us and you’ll gather the tools, knowledge and support to develop your career in the creative field, and discover bridges into the creative industry.
The programme is open to anyone who is disabled, neurodivergent, or lives with a mental health or chronic condition who has previously worked or studied as a creative in the advertising, marketing or design industry. This could include roles such as art director, copywriter, content creator, graphic designer or similar.
There are four sections to the programme:
- Week 1 - Welcome Day and Creative Workshops
Monday 26 January
9:30am - 3pm (Welcome day, in-person in central London)
Tuesday 27 January - Friday 30 January
9:30am - 1:30pm (Online sessions with breaks)
1:30pm - 3:30pm (Independent learning)
We kick off in-person in London where you’ll meet your fellow participants and the Creative Equals team. The rest of the week takes place online with a mix of group learning and interactive workshops, all carefully designed to flex your creative thinking skills, foster collaborative dynamics, and highlight creative industry trends. These sessions are run online by the world-class educational organisation D&AD and don’t worry - you’ll be supported all the way through! - Week 2 - Creative Exploration
Monday 2 February
9:30am - 1:30pm (Online sessions with breaks - Brief and Client Meeting)
Tuesday 3 February - Friday 6 February
Dedicated Group time with your mentors and team (these times are flexible and based on your group needs, but we suggest 9:30am - 3:30pm with breaks).
You’ll work on a live creative brief from Diageo - a fantastic opportunity to produce fresh, relevant work for your portfolio. Working either individually or as part of a small team you’ll have the support from a creative mentor from one of our Creative Agency Partners, to give you real-world feedback along the way.
- Week 3 - Presentation Day and break
Monday 9 February
Rehearsals with your mentors (this time is flexible and based on your group needs).
Tuesday 10 February
10am - 4pm (Presentation Day)
Presentation Day is an in-person event in central London, where you’ll be able to present your ideas and/or designs back to Diageo in front of an audience of creative mentors and industry peers. It’s a chance to sharpen your presentation skills, make real connections, and highlight work you’re proud of. Please note if you have specific access needs, virtual connections can be arranged for Presentation Day.
Then we take a five day break to rest and reset.
- Week 4 - Employability support
A series of workshops and inspiring talks designed to support your next career move.
You’ll get practical training on how to make the most of LinkedIn, refresh and refine your portfolio, and navigate the ever-evolving job market. You’ll also hear directly from talent and career experts who know what it takes to stand out.
And the support doesn’t stop there. You’ll receive the option of ongoing mentorship for up to three months after the programme, giving you guidance and encouragement as you make your next move forward.
If you have questions (no matter how big or small), or we can do anything to make the programme more accessible to you, please email [email protected]
How to Apply
[Please note: In order to fill out the application forms, you will need to open a free Google account if you don't already have one.
1. Go to the Google Account Creation Page.
Open your web browser and go to accounts.google.com/signup.
2. Fill Out Your Information.
Enter your first name, last name, desired username, and create a strong password. Confirm your password.
3. Provide Recovery Information and Agree to Terms.
Add a phone number or recovery email, your birth date, and gender. Review and agree to the Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, then click "Next" or "Create account."]
The Application Process Overview
There are two stages of the application process.
In the first stage application we ask you to share:
● Past work/education history (such as your skills, CV and portfolio)
● Brief details of your disability or health condition
● Your financial support needs, if any
● Your response to a brief, allowing you to showcase your creative skills and thought process
Shortlisting
Upon completion of this first stage, successful candidates will be contacted via email regarding their advancement to the second stage.
In the second stage application we ask you to share:
● Your ID and proof of eligibility to work in the UK
● A headshot / about you video
● Your availability for the programme dates, and any adjustments you may need
● Your creative strengths
As long as you have access to a laptop or computer, and a reliable internet connection you should be able to complete the application process. No specialist technology or programmes are required.
We’re here to help. If you have questions about the application (no matter how big or small) or we can do anything to make the application process more accessible to you, please email [email protected]
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].