Amplify is co-founded by Women in CTRL and Amazon Music, in partnership with Big Creative Education, AIM & MMF, with support from Attitude is Everything and Black Lives in Music.

Are you an independent music business ready to build a more inclusive, innovative and future-proof team? We're officially opening applications for the Amplify 27/28 cohort, and we're looking for six forward-thinking independent music businesses across the industry in England, including recording, management and live.

What is Amplify?

Amplify creates paid, accredited apprenticeship pathways into the music industry for young (18–25) women and people of marginalised genders facing structural barriers into paid music industry roles.

For the 2027/28 cohort, six independent music businesses based in England will be selected to receive financial support covering 25%* of the apprentice's salary over a 12-month contract. Each participating employer is matched with one apprentice, filling an entry-level position focused on administrative support and operational assistance. Employers also receive wraparound support — recruitment, onboarding and check-ins — while apprentices train with Big Creative Education towards a Level 3 accredited qualification.

*Training is fully funded through Amazon Music's apprenticeship levy. Amplify contributes 25% of the apprentice's 12-month salary to six successful applicants. Salaries are based on the Real Living Wage. Employers remain responsible for NI and pension.

Why does Amplify exist?

Access to the music industry is narrowing, not widening. Unpaid entry routes are a big reason: most arts internships are unpaid, shutting out anyone who can't afford to work for free. Those barriers fall hardest on women and people of marginalised genders.

• 19% — working-class representation across UK creative industries, down from 26% in 2020
• 86% — of arts internships are unpaid (Sutton Trust)
• 19% — of musicians earning £70,000+ are women (2024 Musicians' Census Women's Insight Report)

One of Amplify's main goals is to create accessible pathways into music industry roles for women and marginalised genders aged 18–25, helping close the gender gap within the music industry.

The same report, co-produced by Women in CTRL, found that 51% of women had experienced gender discrimination at work, and a third had been sexually harassed while working. Amplify exists to remove the resource barrier that stops businesses from opening these doors — funding paid apprenticeships and wraparound support so the next generation can get in on talent, not connections.

The business benefits

• Salary support — a 25% salary contribution towards staffing costs for your assigned apprentice.
• Apprentice training — Amazon Music covers the full cost of training through its apprenticeship levy, at no cost to you.
• Wraparound support — regular check-ins for your apprentice, supporting your team throughout the programme.
• Access to diverse talent — tap into overlooked talent pools: passionate 18–25 year olds eager to grow in the independent sector.
• Structured support — you don't do it alone: hands-on recruitment support, guidance and apprentice check-ins throughout.
• Industry visibility — show your commitment to a more equitable industry, and join a network of businesses championing change.

Find out more about what an apprenticeship levy is here.

Is your business eligible?

We welcome applications from any independent music business across England, including recording, management and live. For this round, applications are open to everyone — you don't need to be a member of AIM, MMF or LIVE to apply, though your membership body may be able to help if you are.

The apprentice must spend at least half their working hours in England, so your business needs a base or regular presence there, though you can be based anywhere in the UK. If you're committed to inclusive practice and can provide a dedicated line manager to support an apprentice for 12 months, we want to hear from you.

Key dates

• 1 October 2026 — Employer webinar for questions about the programme, your application, or building Amplify into other bids. Sign up to the webinar.
• 15 October 2026 — Amplify employer applications close.
• 11 December 2026 — You'll hear back on the success of your application.