UK - Rise AV, an organisation dedicated to promoting gender diversity and professional development in the AV, live, and residential technology sectors, has announced the launch of its inaugural UK Mentoring Programme Agenda. Starting in May, the six-month initiative is designed to empower women by providing invaluable support to those with up to six years of experience, as well as those at the start of their career journey.
The Rise AV Mentoring Programme is made possible through the essential support of leading industry organisations that share the programme’s commitment to empowering women and upskilling the workforce to safeguard the future of the AV sector. Thanks to the generosity of Rise AV’s industry partners and the dedication of its esteemed mentors, participation in the programme is free of charge.
Rise AV extends its thanks to headline sponsor Epson, silver sponsor The AV User Group, and bronze sponsors Unicol, Faye Bennett Consultancy Services, The LTSMG, and Peerless-AV for joining as launch partners. Rise AV is still looking for additional support to ensure the vital work can continue and encourages organisations to get in touch.
All participants will gain access to a structured programme that accelerates professional growth and career development. The programme features a blend of scheduled masterclasses, networking events, and responsive content shaped by industry feedback from the Rise AV Advisory Board.
Applications are now open via the Rise AV website until Monday 31 March. The programme runs for six months, and mentees are expected to commit to regular meetings with their mentors, attend scheduled events, and actively engage in the mentoring relationship.
Applicants are selected based on an individual's passion for the AV industry, their career goals, growth potential, and a demonstrable commitment to the scheme. This exclusive programme is designed for ambitious women based in the UK who aspire to advance their careers in the dynamic AV, live, and residential technology markets.
Who can apply to be a mentor? Individuals must have substantial industry experience and expertise in their field, be based in the UK, and commit fully to the six-month mentoring programme and dedicate at least one hour per month to their paired mentee.
Building on the success of the Mentoring Programme if funding is gained, Rise AV is set to launch the Career Accelerator Programme in late 2025, designed to support mid-level management professionals. Following this, the C-Suite Programme will debut in early 2026, equipping senior leaders with the tools to excel at the highest levels. Additionally, Rise AV aims to establish a first global chapter, further expanding its impact. Another key initiative, Strive to Rise, the Rise AV Certification Programme, will help AV businesses strengthen their DEI policies and achieve accreditation –enhancing their appeal to top talent and investors alike.
Rachael Hamilton, managing director of Rise AV said: "The AV industry is facing a critical skills shortage, a lack of gender diversity, and barriers to career progression – threatening its future growth. Rise AV is tackling these challenges head-on with initiatives that upskill professionals, support leadership development, and create a more inclusive, innovative workforce.”
Hamilton adds: “For businesses, investing in diversity and professional development isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s a strategic advantage. Supporting Rise AV helps companies attract and retain top talent while addressing one of the industry's biggest challenges: securing the next generation of leaders.”
