HarperCollins' BAME traineeship programme opens for 2018

HarperCollins’ BAME traineeship has opened for the 2018 intake.

The scheme was introduced in 2016 to tackle black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) under-representation within the industry. It is aimed at BAME individuals who might not otherwise have considered publishing as a career.

HarperCollins will select two candidates for a paid 12-month rotational training contract, encompassing difference aspects of the publishing business, to begin in October.

Applications for the traineeships are now open, and advertised on multiple social media platforms, through HarperCollins’ university networks, student unions and other influencers. It runs for four weeks and closes on the 19th April.

The successful candidates will learn about the publisher’s divisions and functions during the programme, and receive training and support from HarperCollins, all overseen by a senior mentor throughout the year.

The traineeship was launched with the support of Business in the Community’s race campaign, of which HarperCollins UK is a member, and the Publishers Association. To make sure the company can draw on the widest possible pool of potential BAME talent, the programme is open to non- graduates and graduates alike.

A spokesperson said the application process had been effective in creating a pipeline of talent from the final assessment stage candidates, who may be invited to apply for other entry level roles in the business alongside other candidates. Five additional candidates have taken up positions at HarperCollins, with several of the successful trainees staying on after completion of the year-long traineeship.

Director of people, John Athanasiou, said the programme "has become a key plank of our diversity and inclusivity strategy and has captured the attention of some very talented individuals who may otherwise not have thought of publishing as a career”.

Yadira Da Trindade, one of the second BAME traineeship intake and currently half- way through her six-month rotation, said: “One of the many reasons I applied for the BAME traineeship was because of HarperCollins’ willingness to foster a diverse and inclusive environment. I saw this throughout the entire application process and have continued to see it in many ways around the office.”

HarperCollins’ separate and long-running Graduate Scheme runs every two years, and is next planned for autumn 2019.