Marvin OnumonuThe Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) has partnered with Brixton Finishing School and its ‘ADventure’ programme to boost involvement in Advertising Unlocked 2025, the annual national open day for the UK advertising industry.
The initiative, launched eight years ago, has already given almost 12,000 young people behind-the-scenes access to agencies.
The 2025 event aims to reach even more students from UK secondary schools and further education colleges, with more than 75 agencies expected to take part.
Through the partnership, Brixton Finishing School will offer employability support and resources to schools and students that take part, covering key workplace skills such as networking, communication, and time management.
Through the ADventure programme, the support includes pre-recorded employability webinars, a live train-the-trainer session for agencies, advanced resources to prepare students, and post-event advice for agencies on keeping in touch with new talent.
As part of the event on 12th November 2025, agencies will host students for live briefs, pitch simulations, Q&As, and creative workshops, while students who cannot attend will get access to online programmes and resources.
Ally Owen, founder of Brixton Finishing School, said: “The industry won’t evolve by accident. It takes intention, innovation and access.
“With ADventure as the bridge and the IPA at the helm, we’re creating early engagement that genuinely changes lives and ultimately, changes the face of our industry.”
Leila Siddiqi, director of diversity and inclusion at the IPA, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Brixton Finishing School for Advertising Unlocked 2025.
“Their track record in reaching and supporting diverse, untapped talent perfectly complements our ambition to make the industry more inclusive and accessible.
“By combining our industry network with their expertise in early engagement and in readying students for employment, we’re ensuring that the next generation doesn’t just get to look inside – they thrive once they’re in.”
Siddiqi added: “This collaboration helps build a stronger, more sustainable talent pipeline that reflects the creativity and diversity our industry needs to stay relevant and future-focused.”
