Launching in the Hearst UK title's September issue, it is the second year the scheme has run to provide young people from areas of low social mobility with exposure to the creative industries and access to a diverse group of well-known mentors.

Figures show that the pandemic has led to around 60% of graduate employers cancelling some or all of their work experience.

Farrah Storr, Editor-in-Chief of ELLE and board member of the Social Mobility Commission, said: “The creative industries are going through one of the toughest times in living history. And if you’re a young person wanting to break into them, it can feel harder than ever.”

"I’m delighted that we are running our ELLE Creative Mentorship in partnership with the SMC for the second year running. We have always known that true creativity comes from having a workforce whose lenses on life are truly diverse."

ELLE UK has recruited students from ‘cold spots’ (the most disadvantaged areas) up and down the country. These cold spots are recognised as having the biggest barriers for young people in fulfilling their potential, as they have the highest rates of children living in poverty.

Students recruited this year are from Inverness, Norwich, Blackburn, Solihull and Caerphilly. The 17–22-year-olds will work alongside an ELLE UK buddy via Zoom to gain an understanding of the process of making magazine whilst being able to contribute to some creative endeavours.

Mentors involved in the scheme include activist Munroe Bergdorf, screenwriter and director Emerald Fennell, and boxer Rama Ali, the cover star of the September issue.

The September issue of ELLE UK is on sale from August 5.