WOMEN from across the North West who are looking to get back into work after career gaps are being offered the chance to take place in a free four day bootcamp in Manchester held by government-funded organisation, Creative Equals.

A confidence boosting bootcamp will be held in Manchester between March 19-22 with the aim of matchmaking women on the course with the creative agencies and businesses in the North West that are supporting the event.

Its four-day bootcamp will provide industry updates for women who have been out of the game, as well as classes in professional confidence and tactical workshops where ladies will work on a brief and present a live pitch to executive creative directors.

Talking about the Returners programme, Ali Hanan, said: “Going back to work after a career break is hugely daunting for women. We see these gaps as gift, where life happens. Babies are born. Cancer blindsides us. Elderly parents get dementia. With such a great amount of talent out there, we are looking forward to working with creatives, up-skilling them and injecting them with the confidence, networks and know-how they need to land a role they’ll love. We have some great names who are supporting us and it’s a great opportunities for northern ladies to meet potential employers.”

The programme, taking place in Manchester and London, is one of just five initiatives awarded by a new government start up fund aimed at tackling gender inequality. The programme is designed for mid-senior copywriters, IX/UX, art directors, producers, strategists, data analysts, designers and concept creatives.

Following the four-day programme, returners will then have the opportunity to go on a 4-6-week placement with one of Creative Equals’ founding agency partners and will be supported by a coach.

Creative Equals was founded by Ali Hanan who has worked in the advertising and marketing sector for the last 19 years. She set the organisation up in response to the disparity of just 12 per cent of creative directors being women, despite 85 per cent of purchasing decisions being made by them.

Ali added: “We are looking for creative women who have been out for an extended break who want to retrain with some of the top creatives in the industry – and can find a job they love in companies who are open to flexible working, with job shares, part-time work or compressed hours. We will up-skill in digital skills, explore the latest creative work with D&AD and run briefs from brands like Facebook. The programme is free for returners plus there is a ‘Creative comeback’ fund available to women who may need financial assistance,’ says Rachel Gott, founder of Apple&Ink and SheSays ‘WhosYourMomma’ programme.

If you are interested in taking part in the course, contact ali@creativeequals.org