"The world is easier to navigate if someone shows you the map": nurturing underrepresented talent
Peter Kerwood, a founder of Elevate NewGen, explains how his new mentoring programme is unlocking pathways for underrepresented young talent in events.
Elevate Mentoring is a leading not-for-profit organisation in the events industry, and earlier this month, we unveiled our latest initiative aimed at increasing diversity and inclusivity. The NewGen programme, launched at the UK Creative Festival in Margate, is designed to provide career pathways for underrepresented young talent aged 18-25 who face barriers to entering the events industry. This includes those from low socioeconomic backgrounds – people low on experience and social mobility but high on potential.
I come from a working-class home. My mum was a nurse and my dad was a police officer. My parents were always telling me I was brilliant and could achieve anything. Even when I failed all my exams and left school at 17 with not a clue what I was going to do, my parents were always encouraging me.
Because of them, I did alright in the end, but I’ve always thought how incredibly fortunate I was to have them champion me. This is really what’s behind the idea for Elevate NewGen. We want to put an Elevate arm around young people who might not have anyone to champion them. This includes young people leaving the youth justice system. We’re talking to Oasis Restore in Rochester, Kent, which is the UK’s first secure school, about working with their young people. We’re hoping to take some of the first of their leavers in April 2025.
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