Immediate, Bauer Media, Hearst UK, and B2B specialist Shard Financial Media have become the first publishers to offer placements through the new PPA Paid Work Experience Programme, demonstrating a shared commitment to making careers in our sector more accessible.

The programme is for anyone looking to secure their first paid experience in the publishing and media industry. It aims to remove one of the biggest barriers facing people entering the industry by creating structured, paid work experience opportunities.

Sajeeda Merali, CEO, PPA commented: “When I started out, I simply didn’t know that publishing was something for me, nor did I realise the vast array of roles it entails. Too often, the biggest barrier to joining our sector isn’t talent, it’s getting that first foot in the door. Paid work experience helps level the playing field, giving people the chance to explore the industry, build skills, confidence and connections, regardless of background or financial circumstances.

This programme has been shaped by the PPA’s Next Gen Board, drawing on their own experience of just how important that first break can be. It’s fantastic to see these publishers leading the way by offering placements, and I hope many more will follow suit. By working together, we can ensure our sector continues to attract talented people from the widest possible range of backgrounds.”

The initiative is designed to help people from all backgrounds build practical skills, industry knowledge, and professional confidence, regardless of their personal circumstances or existing networks.

Candidate applications for the programme are now closed, with successful candidates being matched to participating publishers for placements of around four weeks, and given hands-on experience across editorial, audience development, marketing, commercial, events, and digital.

Louisa Storey, Talent Acquisition Lead, Immediate added: “Immediate is proud to be a part of the PPA’s Paid Work Experience Programme. Our Industry thrives on fresh ideas and diverse perspectives, and it’s vital that we remove any foreseen or unforeseen barriers to talented people pursuing a career in publishing. This programme is an important part of building a more inclusive and diverse industry, helping people from all backgrounds gain valuable experience and connections at the early stage of their careers.”

Paul Broughton, Head of People, Publishing UK, Bauer Media, said: “Creating accessible routes into our industry is something we’re passionate about. This programme will give people valuable, real-world experience while helping them develop the confidence and skills needed to build successful careers. We’re pleased to be supporting the PPA in making those opportunities available.”

The Paid Work Experience Programme forms part of the PPA’s wider Good Hiring initiative, which supports publishers in attracting, developing, and retaining talent through practical resources, an online training course, and industry collaboration.

“Supporting early careers is an investment in the future of our industry. We believe paid opportunities are essential to ensuring publishing attracts the broadest possible range of talent, and we’re proud to be working alongside the PPA and our industry peers on this important initiative,” said John Athanasiou, Chief People Officer, Hearst UK.

Jenna Abbott, Managing Director, Shard Financial Media added: “As an expert network built around specialist content, membership and community, we know the value talented, curious people bring to our industry. Paid opportunities help remove barriers to entry, attract fresh ideas and ensure our sector continues to thrive. We’re proud to support the PPA’s Paid Work Experience Programme and look forward to welcoming our first placement.”

Interested in offering a paid placement? Contact the PPA’s Strategic Consultant (Talent & Inclusion), Genevieve Miller, today to receive your free members-only guide and discuss how the programme could work for your organisation.