Employers x STEP 15

Calling all employers and businesses looking to provide pathways into creative, cultural and digital industries

STEP is the Good Growth Hub's year‑long shared training and employment programme for creative, cultural and digital employers who want to open up paid, London Living Wage roles for 18–30‑year‑olds from east London.

We’re inviting partners to join the next cohort launching September 2026, hosting a 12‑month placement while we deliver wrap‑around training, mentoring and a supportive peer community. We recruit locally from Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest, building pathways into the sector for young people who are underrepresented today—and in the last five years alone, we’ve supported 114 trainees to take their next step.

Our approach is practical and inclusive:

accessible application forms,
targeted community outreach,
inclusive group selection sessions,
best‑practice interview resources
follow‑on support for anyone not selected.

For employers, we convene briefings and a like‑minded network, provide Access & Inclusion training, and offer hands‑on advice to embed fair, equitable culture day‑to‑day.

As we look towards our 15^th cohort (!), we are reaching out to interested employers. If this is of interest, please download the STEP Employer Pack and submit your Expression of Interest by 18 May 2026 for spaces are limited and the May deadline is fast.

Download our STEP partner info pack

Complete our Expression of Interest form

Alongside submitting an EOI, we are human and like to talk! Please reach out to Oliver Benjamin oliver.benjamin@anewdirection.org.uk or Jo Lacey jo.lacey@anewdirection.org.uk to discuss details, process and see if this is a good fit.

Deadline: Monday 18 May 2026

Who supports STEP?

STEP, first launched in 2017, is delivered by the Good Growth Hub – operated by the Employment & Skills team of London-based creative youth charity A New Direction. Good Growth Hub and its activities are funded by the London Legacy Development Cooperation (LLDC) with investment from the Foundation for Future London, through the East Bank Partnerships’ New Talent Future Leaders programme.

Previous programme employment or curriculum facilitation partners 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), among others.

'Each trainee has differed hugely and as the programme has developed so has our knowledge of how get the best from and for those trainees. In the most recent cohorts in particular I think just the level of confidence, understanding of what opportunities they could access and aspiration has grown significantly. We have now employed one trainee permanently from 2 cohorts ago.' STEP Employer

'As a small charity, we are constantly changing and adapting. This means that there is a fast pace and our business model changes frequently. As a result, having staff who have the skills to deal with the challenges of the moment is crucial. This also means that the capacity of the team is constantly challenged. The fact that there was external support for the trainee is a crucial element for us.' STEP Employer

'One of the best part of STEP is that the GGH team filters candidates and ensures diversity and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. They also provide great support of the interns and regular help for managers to ensure they make the most of the programme. High quality of candidates – 2 brilliant people in 2 years!' STEP Employer

Watch behind the scenes