Today, Sky is announcing a new partnership with the King’s Trust, empowering the Next Generation. Fiona Ball, Sky’s Group Director, Bigger Picture and Sustainability tells us more about it.
An estimated 52% 16–25-year-olds – equivalent to more than 4.2 million – are interested in a career in news and/or sport media. Yet, many face significant barriers. Recent research commissioned by Sky and The King’s Trust[1] found that 2 in 3 young people are unsure where to start when it comes to building a career in the media, and half lack industry connections to seek career advice or mentorship.
At Sky, we believe every young person, no matter their background, should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential. In 2022, we launched our Sky Up Hubs programme, working with 70 charity partners in underserved communities to provide young people with reliable internet, tech and digital skills support. And through Sky Up Academy, raising young people's career aspirations has been one of our top priorities for over a decade. However, we know that there is always more to do to ensure the next generation can thrive.
That’s why we’re proud to announce a new three-year partnership with The King’s Trust, offering an exciting ‘Get Started‘ career-readiness programme including mentoring and work experience placements in Sky Sports and Sky News. This programme is designed to provide young people with first-hand industry exposure, practical skills, and the confidence to pursue careers in the media. With almost 50% of young people saying that work experience would help them consider a career in the industry, this initiative aims to fill a crucial gap.
Through the programme, participants will take part in a week full of training sessions, covering essential skills such as pitching a story, adapting content for different social media platforms, and writing match reports. In addition, programme participants can apply for a mentor from Sky or a week's work experience within Sky News, Sky Sports or Sky Sports News, gaining valuable hands-on experience and developing key career-readiness skills and insights.
The King’s Trust is a key partner in our mission to empower young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, equipping them with the confidence and skills they need to succeed. Since its inception in 1976, the Trust has supported over a million young people across the UK, providing courses and access to job opportunities. In the past five years alone, three out of four participants have moved into work, education, or training. Together, we are creating meaningful change and opening doors for the next generation.
‘Get Started’ is about more than offering work experience, it’s about bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement, ensuring young people from all backgrounds have access to meaningful training and industry exposure.
By nurturing fresh talent, we hope to drive greater diversity and innovation in the sports and news industry. Together, let’s empower the next generation of media professionals and support their journey toward a bright future.
To learn more about our existing Sky Up programme, visit https://www.skyup.sky/
[1] Public First survey of 1,000 16-25-year-olds in the UK conducted 31st January - 10th February 2025.
