The Next Level Programme
Are you interested in marketing, media or communications? Perhaps you love the creative industry and want to gain your first experience representing an organisation?
The Next Level programme is Be United’s employability and professional development programme designed to support emerging Black creatives, People of Colour and allies in Scotland to build confidence, gain practical experience, and take the next step in their careers.
The Next Level Programme is generously supported by the Edinburgh Regenerative Futures Fund.
Applications close on the 21st of July 2026 at 5pm.
About the Next Level programme
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Next Level for?
Edinburgh-based emerging or early-career creatives and/or professionals with an interest in marketing, media and communications, audience engagement, community outreach, brand representation, or the creative, cultural and community sectors.
How does the programme work?
The Next Level programme combines practical workplace experience with a structured training programme tailored to support participants’ professional development and long-term career progression. The training explores areas such as marketing, media, communications, professional administration, branding and brand representation, networking, presentation skills, freelance working practices, and community engagement.
Alongside formal training sessions, participants receive ongoing mentorship and guidance from the Be United Marketing, Media and Communications Manager. Participants are encouraged to apply their learning through practical projects, including creating content, supporting events, engaging with communities, and representing Be United at public-facing activities.
Whether learning about content creation, copywriting, or brand strategy, this programme is designed not only to build technical skills, but also to strengthen confidence, professional practice, industry understanding, and the ability to navigate future employment and freelance opportunities.
To support this hands-on learning, participants are engaged as paid Brand Ambassadors for Be United.
What is a Be United Brand Ambassador?
Brand Ambassadors play a vital role in connecting Be United to audiences, artists, and partners, while upholding the values of creativity, inclusion, and empowerment.
As an ambassador, you will represent Be United at public events, create engaging media content, connect with local communities, and apply your training directly to real-world marketing, communications or community and industry outreach projects.
Earn While You Learn!
Be United is a proud Real Living Wage Employer. All Brand Ambassadors are paid for their participation in the programme and placements on a freelance basis.
What is the Programme Duration & Commitment?
The core programme is three months long, with a commitment of approximately 10 to 15 hours per week. There is also the opportunity to progress into a five-month placement where appropriate.
What happens after the programme? What are the Next Level Placements?
The Next Level programme creates pathways to future opportunities, including freelance project-based work with Be United, placements with partner organisations, and opportunities to build experience and networks across Scotland and the wider UK.
This extension would be based on the approval of the host placement organisation and/or Be United’s Marketing, Media and Communications Manager, ensuring it remains beneficial for both the participant and the placement partner or Be United.
Applications close on the 21st of July 2026 at 5pm.
Are you our next Brand Ambassador?
To apply for the Next Level Programme, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over.
- Be an emerging or early-career creative or professional.
- Be based in Edinburgh for the duration of the programme.
- Have the legal right to work in the UK and be able to undertake paid freelance work.
- Be able to commit to the full three-month programme (approximately 10-15 hours per week), with the opportunity to progress into a five-month placement where appropriate.
- Have an interest in marketing, media and communications, audience engagement, community outreach, brand representation, or the creative, cultural and community sectors.
- Be committed to contributing positively to Be United’s mission of championing Black people in the performing arts, screen, and cultural events sectors in Scotland.
We particularly welcome applications from Black people, People of Colour, and individuals who are passionate about contributing to a more inclusive and representative creative sector.
