CITIGATE DEWE ROGERSON LAUNCHES YOUTH POSSIBILITY PROGRAMME IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TAYLOR BENNETT FOUNDATION

The first social mobility initiative of its kind for young adults aged 19-23

24 January 2022

Citigate Dewe Rogerson (CDR), a leading strategic communications consultancy, announces the Youth Possibility Programme (YPP), a social mobility initiative launched in partnership with the Taylor Bennett Foundation (the Foundation).

The YPP targets ambitious young adults aged 19-23 who identify with at least one social mobility criteria: (i) first generation in family to go to university, (ii) attended a non-selective state school, or (iii) eligible for free school meals. YPP candidates must be from a Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic background.

The two-week paid work experience placement at CDR in April 2022 includes bespoke training and support from the Foundation. The YPP is for young adults who have an education to A-level, or equivalent. There is no requirement to have gone to university, but for those that have chosen to do so, the YPP is applicable for current second year (or penultimate year) university students.

Successful YPP candidates will be entitled to reimbursement of travel expenses and there will be an accommodation grant available for any young adults living beyond a commuting distance of CDR’s London office.

The YPP does not require candidates to have any prior work experience. It is for anyone who meets the criteria and who has a go-getting attitude and a willingness to learn.

Commenting on the launch of the ‘Youth Possibility Programme’, Lorna Cobbett, CEO of CDR, said: “CDR is honoured to be partnering with the Taylor Bennett Foundation on the industry’s first social mobility initiative of its kind for young adults. Talent is everywhere and we need to open our eyes collectively to the possibility of youth and the perspective (and energy) that diverse thinking brings to us and our clients.

“Social mobility is a passion of mine and, as someone who meets two of the criteria we’re using, it feels right for CDR to give back and help inspire new talent to enter our industry. We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and want others to follow our lead and give opportunities to young adults that might not have previously considered a career in communications. It’s time for the communications industry to think, and act, differently.”

Melissa Lawrence, CEO of The Taylor Bennett Foundation said: “The Taylor Bennett Foundation has been working for over a decade to increase racial diversity within the PR and Communications industry. We’ve made great strides, but there is still much work to be done to create more opportunities for young people to find out about careers in the industry and to empower them to reach their full potential. That’s why I’m delighted that the Foundation will be partnering with CDR on its Youth Possibility Programme, which focuses not just on ethnic diversity, but also socio-economic background.

“With the new Youth Possibility Programme being driven by CDR’s new CEO Lorna Cobbett, a leader who is passionate about social mobility and improving outcomes for young people, I’m looking forward to joining forces to find and retain future talent for the industry."

To apply to YPP, please visit this link.