Applications open for paid internship at the Poetry School

About the role

At the Poetry School, we believe that a career in the literary world should be an option for anyone, regardless of background, and not just the privileged few. What is more, we believe in true diversity of voices and that this can only be achieved by an industry whose workforce more accurately represents people from a whole spectrum of backgrounds. We have received funding from The Book Trade Charity to offer a paid internship opportunity for a young person aged 16-25 living, or accessing services, in the borough of Southwark (with particular focus on SE16, SE17 or SE8 area), with priority given to those who are not in full-time education or employment. Funding will cover transport costs, lunch expenses, and pay the London Living Wage.

We are looking for someone who is passionate, ambitious, reliable, and keen to learn. Someone who is happy to take direction and work independently, as well as work alongside a small team and support us in a variety of areas.

The intern will be offered:

• A fully-structured, goal-orientated internship, providing key employment skills, such as basic admin, marketing, communication, and event management.
• Knowledge of, and insight into, the poetry industry and publishing landscape
• CV writing session with a member of the Poetry School team at the end of their internship.
• The opportunity to participate in free poetry workshops
• The opportunity to help organise and participate in Poetry School events, including the Ginkgo Prize ceremony.
• A flexible working schedule (agreed in advance) to accommodate studies or other paid employment.

Hours and pay

Pay will be made at the London Living Wage of £10.55 per hour.

The internship will be approx. 2 days (16 hours) per week from approx. end of October to mid December. This can be split into half days to allow for studies or other employment.

Travel expenses of up to £7 per day will be paid.

Lunch at £5 per day will be paid.

How to apply

Please apply with either

• A covering letter that explains why you’re interested and what you think you would bring to the role, alongside a CV showing your experience
• A video or an audio message telling us why you’re interested, what you’d bring to the role and a description of your relevant experience to date (maximum 3 minutes).

Applications should be emailed to [email protected] by 10am on Monday 14th October. Interviews will be held in late October.

Applicants must be 16-25 and living or accessing services in borough of Southwark. Applications are particularly welcome from young people from a BAME background or with a disability.