STEP 7

A 12-month paid traineeship for young East Londoners wanting to step into careers in the creative & cultural sectors

Our Shared Training and Employment Programme STEP returns for its 7th iteration this spring 2023 and we’re on the lookout for 15 East Londoners aged 18-30 brimming with new ideas, creative energy and timely perspectives.

Those of you joining our popular traineeship will be matched with committed local businesses to experience an entry-level role in the creative or cultural sector where you'll get paid a London Living Wage or above salary over a 12-month training programme. Be ready to develop a range of skills and creative approaches as you get your foot in the door, grow as part of a like-minded group, take part in monthly professional development workshops, and receive a budget to boost your professional portfolio as you take part in a collaborative creative project.

We’ll also connect you with a specialist industry mentor, provide personal career coaching and continue to offer support in your creative employment journey as you graduate the programme as an alumnus and join our wider creative community.

This year we are offering 11 placements from CEBE, BBC Music, Broadcast Revolution, The Student View, GROW Hackney, The HudsonBec Group, UCL East, Immediate Theatre, and 3 Mills Studios.

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view and download the job specs.

Sectors in focus this round include:

Museums & Galleries
Film, Music, TV, Radio, Broadcast & Production
Advertising, PR, Marketing, Print Media & Publishing, Business Operations

Not sure which suits you most? Take our STEP 7 personality quiz to find out.

About STEP

Find out more

Who can apply?

Aged 18-30
Living in and went to school or college in the London boroughs of Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham or Waltham Forest

Who's involved?

Companies offering placements for STEP 7 include:

Participants will also work with the Good Growth Hub as we deliver regular training in partnership with a range of industry experts, careers and employability workshops, mentoring and coaching and professional development opportunities.

Previous speakers, partners, and facilitators of STEP include: London College of Fashion, East London Dance, Foundation for Future London, NTS, Artichoke, Rosetta Arts, Pooja Sitpura (Young People’s Programmer, National Theatre) Juliette Larthe (Founder, Prettybird), Thristian (Creative Director, Worldwide FM) Leyla Tahir (Marketing Manager, Tate), Navjot Mangat (Interpretation Manger, V&A East), Catherine Ince (Chief Curator, V&A East) Georgia Catt (Producer, BBC Podcasts), Dramatic Resources, Richard Cross (Programming Manager, Sadler’s Wells), Olivia Twist (Illustrator and UAL Lecturer), Haja Fanta (Creative Producer)

Key dates

Applications open from Monday 20 February 2023
Applications close: 10:00 am, Friday 31 March 2023
Selection days for participants: 13-14 April 2023
Programme induction: 8–12 May 2023
Programme placements: 15 May 2023 – 2024*

*All trainees must be able to commit to the duration of the programme and be available for the selection days

Programme curriculum

The Collaborative Project

As part of STEP, you will work collaboratively with fellow trainees to respond to a set creative brief. As part of this min project, you'll receive the space, support and funding to develop a project that:

Celebrates the creative and cultural talent in east London
Builds with and invests in local communities

How to apply?

Got questions or need support on your STEP application?

Register to attend an online Information and Application Support Workshop where you'll meet some of our partners, learn about the placements on offer and receive expert advice on preparing a standout application.

Friday 3 March – 12:00 – 13:00

STEP information and application support workshop 1

Friday 10 March – 12:00 – 13:00

STEP information and application support workshop 2

Friday 17 March – 12:00 – 13:00

STEP information and application support workshop 3

Friday 24 March – 12:00 – 13:00

STEP information and application support workshop 4

Prefer 1-1 advice? Book a slot here to receive personal guidance on your STEP application. Sessions take place weekly, in-person at the Good Growth Hub.

More support?

Get on our pre-employment training via The Creative and Cultural Opportunities Programme x STEP 7 for east Londoners aged 18-30.

In this 2-day crash course, discover roles in the creative, cultural, and digital sectors, and explore your creative skills and interests. Curriculum highlights include confidently and clearly telling your story; how to review job descriptions; CV writing; Application writing; and Job interviews, in both group and individual settings. Taking place 27-28 March in-person.

Apply by 20 March 2023