Expressions of interest now open for our national Music Industry Mentoring program

We’re launching a national mentoring program to nurture a new generation of music industry practitioners - and we want you to get involved!

With support from The Ian Potter Foundation, over the next three years The Push will give 60 young people the opportunity to be placed and mentored in some of Australia’s biggest music companies to develop skills, confidence and networks across a range of streams including event management, technical production, business operations and marketing and promotions.

Responding to ongoing sector-wide skills shortages and declining enrolments across music and arts in both secondary and higher education, the Music Industry Mentoring program will create a pipeline for skilled industry practitioners – providing both young people and workplaces with a framework that ensures workplace readiness and meaningful pathways into the contemporary music sector.

Inaugural industry partners announced for the three-year program include Live Performance Australia, Australian Festivals Association, Australian Live Music Business Council, Live Nation, Moshtix and Secret Sounds – with expressions of interest now open for businesses across Australia to be involved throughout 2024-2026.

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Kate Duncan, CEO, The Push, commented: “We know that our Australian music sector is experiencing significant skills shortages right now. The Push is committed to delivering initiatives such as the Music Industry Mentoring Program to directly respond to this - fostering a new generation of music industry practitioners.” 

Charles Goode AC, Chairman of The Ian Potter Foundation, commented: “We are pleased to support The Push to provide a program that will build job readiness across various aspects of the live music industry, including technical production, marketing and publicity and event management. The involvement of key industry partners is an important aspect of the program and will set up participants for future success in the arts sector.”

Evelyn Richardson, Chief Executive of Live Performance Australia commented: “As we recover and rebuild from the disruption of the pandemic, programs such as Music Industry Mentoring are crucial to attracting and developing the next generation of music industry practitioners. Getting that first foot in the door and the opportunity to build professional experience and networks will help participants start their career journeys, unleashing a new wave of talent that will shape the future of the industry.”

Michelle Lucia, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Live Nation APAC commented: “At Live Nation, it is our priority to support Australia’s next generation of emerging professionals, and together with The Push, are proud to provide young Australians with opportunities to assist their growth, skill development and boost confidence under the guidance of industry leaders.”

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+ What are the requirements?

All participants must:

• Be aged between 18 – 25 years old
• Be based anywhere in Australia – this is a nation-wide program
• Demonstrated commitment to a career in music, shown through relevant experience in the contemporary music industry, consideration of current interests and future goals within the contemporary music industry
• Demonstrated understanding of how access to a mentor and work placement opportunities through this program will help you achieve your specific career goals
• Able to commit to 150 hours of participation in the structured workplace learning program

+ Who can apply?

While the program is open to all young people aged 18 – 25 based anywhere within Australia, priority access will be given to:

• First Nations young people
• Young people of colour
• Young people from low-income households
• Young women
• Gender non-conforming young people
• Young people with a disability
• LGBTQIA+ young people

+ What will I gain from participating in this program?

As a participant of the Music Industry Mentoring program, you will be placed in a workplace for up to 150 hours and will be mentored by an industry practitioner to develop skills, confidence and networks in your chosen stream of:

• Event Management
• Technical Production
• Promotions and Marketing
• Business Operations

+ How much does the program cost?

Participation in the Music Industry Mentoring program is free.

All participants will be paid an honourarium to cover any travel, accommodation and meals throughout the program.

+ When and where does the program take place?

Workplace learning opportunities for the Music Industry Mentoring program will commence from January 2024.

There will be two intakes annually (January and July) until 2026 that will support 60 young people to be placed in workplaces across Australia.

As this is a nation-wide program, workplace learning opportunities will take place in all Australian States and Territories.

+ I'm from an Australian music business. How can we get involved?

Great, we would love to hear from you!

Expressions of interest are now open for Australian music businesses to come on board as partners for the 2024-2026 program.

Complete the online form 'Register Your Interest for the 2024-2026 Program' above and we will be in touch!

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The Push Music Industry Mentoring Program is delivered with support from The Ian Potter Foundation - one of Australia’s major philanthropic foundations, delivering grants to support charitable organisations working to benefit the community.