NoTurningBack2020 (previously BAME2020) has announced the launch of a job zone specifically for Black, Asian and minority ethnic applicants job hunting in the marketing and PR sector.
The NoTurningBack2020 Jobs Zone, launched during Race Equality Week, aims to boost diversity in the marketing and PR sector, advertising career roles with salaries up to £30,000. It will showcase school and college leaver permanent trainee roles, apprenticeships, paid internships and graduate entry job opportunities across multiple inclusive employers.
The Job Zone has been created and financed by NoTurningBack2020’s Co-founders Amanda Fone (CEO and Founder of f1 Recruitment) and Adrian Walcott (Co-founder of Brands with Values). They set up the original BAME2020 in July 2016 to focus on Action for Change, as reported.
DEMAND FOR DIVERSE TALENT
“Last year was one of the most challenging years for school/college leavers and graduates to find trainee and entry level roles across the marketing, PR and sports marketing sectors,” stated Fone. “Since 2016 we have been working hard to encourage more 17-23 year-old professionals from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to consider a career in our sector. We are determined not to lose momentum and need to get the message out to young people that despite Covid-19, companies in our sector are keen to attract talent at entry and second jobber level.”
Entertainment and sports brands, governing bodies, FMCG, consumer tech, telco, financial services, home entertainment, advertising, PR and digital marketing agencies will be advertising their communications, PR, marketing and sports marketing opportunities on the Job Zone, confirmed Fone.
GAME-CHANGER FOR INCLUSIVE COMPANIES
The marketing and PR sectors’ leading professional bodies have all welcomed the Job Zone initiative. They include the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM); The Advertising Association; The Marketing Society; The European Sponsorship Association (ESA); and the Chartered Institute of PR (CIPR).
Commenting on the initiative, Sophie Devonshire, Chief Executive of The Marketing Society stated: “The BAME2020 No Turning Back Job Zone could be a game changer for companies who are really committed to diversity and inclusion. The Job Zone will help companies build relationships directly with a young community who want to break into marketing careers – a fantastic initiative.”
Gemma Butler, Marketing Director of the CIM, agrees: “The Job Zone will be a great opportunity for companies to showcase their diversity and inclusion activities alongside advertising their early careers roles to a young diverse community keen to break into marketing as a career.”
ACCESS TO DIVERSE TALENT
Andy Westlake, Chairman of the ESA believes the Job Zone will help showcase the industry to candidates that “may not have considered a lifelong career in sponsorship”. “At The European Sponsorship Association we’re committed to all initiatives that support our ambition to make sport and entertainment marketing an industry that is open for all,” said Westlake. “I’m delighted that ESA are supporting this project”.
According to Avril Lee, Chair of CIPR’s Diversity & Inclusion Network, the industry must collectively continue its “drive to create inclusive cultures for diverse talent to thrive and progress in the PR sector” this year. “This is another great initiative from BAME2020 No Turning Back, which will help broaden the PR sector’s reach and give us more access to young Black, Asian, minority ethnic professionals,” Lee noted.
Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Commercial Director of the Advertising Association, describes the commitment from BAME2020 as “not only timely” – because young diverse talent need support now more than ever – but also a “big step towards sustainable change”. “With companies being required to evidence their DE&I activity before being able to advertise in the No Turning Back 2020 Job Zone, it highlights how crucial an inclusive workplace is for retaining and advancing talent from different backgrounds,” she adds.
Sign up for our newsletter
