Six aspiring young music executives are set for the career opportunity of a lifetime thanks to Creative Access, a new internship scheme supported by the music organisation BPI.

The twelve month placements, some of which have already been snapped up, will be offered by record labels and music companies to at least six young graduates from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Each intern will be paid an annual salary of £15,000 and will be funded by the BPI’s charitable arm, the BRIT Trust.

Kick-starting their music careers with roles ranging from A&R, public relations, and managing digital music assets, budding execs will take up positions with companies including Suede’s management company Quietus Management, Misha B’s label Relentless Records, digital content specialists One Media iP Group Plc, the EMI Archive Trust, London-based alternative rock label Best Before Records, and the BPI.  More companies are expected to commit to the scheme later in the year, enabling further placements. 

The Creative Access scheme will particularly help independent labels and smaller organisations offer internships for young people.

Commenting on the initiative, BPI Chairman Tony Wadsworth CBE, said,

“Working in music is one of the most exciting careers anyone can have and we want to help talented young people get a start in the industry. We know that our future success depends on drawing from the widest possible pool of talent.”

Speaking to young people at a recent Creative Access masterclass, Genevieve Ampaduh, Head of Digital Marketing at Simon Cowell’s label Syco, added,

“I’m honoured to have been introduced to the work Creative Access are doing and it’s great the BPI have now partnered with it. It’s vitally important that the creative industries receive more applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds so that the media we consume more accurately reflects the society in which we live.”

Creative Access is a new programme to emerge from the record industry’s careers initiative, On Track, developed and managed by BPI.    

On Track is a single online resource for young people who aspire to work in the recording industry.  Whether looking to understand how the industry works, find careers advice, or hear about the latest job opportunities in UK record companies, they can go to On Track to get details of internships, apprenticeships, gap year and work experience placements and permanent positions. 

BPI member record companies already offer more than 100 entry-level pathways for aspiring music business professionals in a host of departments including marketing, digital, A&R, press, business affairs and finance.   

Universal Music has offered paid internships across its business since 2009.  Morna Cook, Universal Music UK’s Senior Director of HR, who spear-headed the initiative said, 

“It’s been such a successful scheme which has opened up entry-level opportunities to people of all backgrounds.” 

BPI and BRIT Awards Chief Executive Geoff Taylor added,

“Our On Track initiative is a great starting point for all budding music executives who are keen to explore the host of internships, job roles and support networks available to young people within the music business.

“With more than 100 placements on offer each year, labels are already training up the next generation and benefitting from the fresh perspective they can bring. We hope that our partnership with Creative Access will act as a real launch pad for those serious about a career in music.”

On Track also offers guidance to employers wishing to hire young people as well as information on the funding available to facilitate and support youth employment schemes.  More information can be found at http://www.bpi.co.uk/on-track.aspx