PRH expands traineeship scheme for talent from under-represented groups

Penguin Random House has opened applications for The Scheme 2021, its traineeship to find talent from under-represented groups in publishing, and extended it into sales and publicity alongside editorial.

The Scheme offers 18 paid six-month traineeships and is open to applicants who are Black, Asian and from minority ethnic groups and/or lower socioeconomic backgrounds.

Its expansion to publicity and sales, having previously focused on editorial, follows a commitment in its 2020 inclusivity action plan to extend the traineeship to other departments. PRH said it considered a range of factors, including an analysis of its inclusivity data and the number and type of entry-level vacancies across the company, to make its decision.

This year’s programme will offer eight traineeships in editorial and eight in publicity, with each publishing house hosting at least one trainee. There will also be two placements in the sales team. Trainees will be learning by doing, as well as through a structured training programme, help from a buddy, and a mentoring partnership.

No professional experience or qualifications are necessary to apply and candidates are not asked to provide CVs, but instead to answer questions designed to assess their potential to develop qualities required by host departments, including adaptability, curiosity and ability to build relationships.

Tom Weldon, c.e.o. and scheme sponsor, said: “The Scheme is one of Penguin Random House’s flagship programmes: Scheme alumni are important contributors to publishing and the wider creative industries. I am looking forward to meeting this year’s Schemers and seeing how the programme can help accelerate their growth and impact too.”

The Scheme has run as a traineeship since 2018, with two intakes and 18 trainees in total so far. It was not held last year due to the pandemic.

Eleven trainees have gone on to secure a permanent or contract role at Penguin Random House at the end of the programme. The others have gone on to secure roles at other organisations. At present, nine former trainees remain in positions at PRH UK, with five having received promotions.

Applications for this year’s programme are open from 20th April to 16th May, with all available online.