The Professional Publishers Association (PPA) has announced that Immediate, Bauer Media, Hearst UK and B2B publishing specialist Shard Financial Media have become the first publishers to offer placements through its new Paid Work Experience Programme, demonstrating a shared commitment to making careers in publishing more accessible.
Developed by the PPA's Next Gen Board as part of the association's wider Good Hiring initiative, the programme aims to remove one of the biggest barriers facing people entering the industry by creating structured, paid work experience opportunities across the UK's publishing sector.
Applications for the programme that launched in May 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 teams, says the PPA.
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.
Sajeeda Merali, CEO of the PPA, said: “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.”
Louisa Storey, talent acquisition lead, Immediate, said: "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."
John Athanasiou, chief people officer at Hearst UK, said: "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."
Jenna Abbott, managing director, Shard Financial Media said: “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.”
The Paid Work Experience Programme forms part of the PPA's wider Good Hiring initiative, added the association, which supports publishers in attracting, developing and retaining talent through practical resources, guidance and industry collaboration.
The programme is for anyone looking to secure their first paid experience in the publishing and media industry. The PPA says it was inundated with people wanting to take part in the scheme, and applications for 2026 are now closed, however with the support of their membership, the PPA are actively seeking to create further paid work experience opportunities during 2027.
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