UDGN Industry Residency Programme
Creating Pathways. Bridging Gaps.
Young Black and ethnically diverse creatives face real barriers entering the fashion industry: limited industry networks, little professional experience, restricted access to employers, and few opportunities that lead to long-term careers.
UDGN's Industry Residency Programme addresses this by building a network of fashion, media, and creative businesses brands, PR agencies, magazines, retailers, manufacturers, production companies, and Fashion Week organisations who commit to offering structured residencies, not informal work experience.
Each residency runs 4–8 weeks and includes a structured placement, an assigned industry mentor, employability training, and ongoing UDGN support throughout giving participants real project work, professional feedback, and portfolio-ready outcomes.
The programme is fully administered by UDGN.
Not just a placement a changing industry
UDGN doesn't just place individuals we work with every partner organisation to open opportunities to young people who wouldn't normally have access, build consistent standards for mentoring and support, and encourage partners to keep offering residencies year after year.
The result: a growing UDGN Residency Network of employers embedding new pathways into the industry, and a recognised route in for underrepresented creatives who would otherwise face barriers to entry.
Opportunities
How It Works — Programme Structure & Timeline
Each residency runs 4–8 weeks, structured around three phases: preparation, placement, and progression.
Phase 1 — Training & Preparation (Week 1)
Before entering their placement, residents complete a structured employability curriculum covering:
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Industry orientation — how the sector they're entering actually operates, and what's expected of them day-to-day
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CV and portfolio development — building a portfolio and CV tailored to their specific placement and role
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Professional communication — workplace conduct, email etiquette, meeting behaviour, and working within a team
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Interview and pitching skills — preparing residents to present themselves and their work confidently
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Goal-setting with their mentor — each resident agrees specific, measurable objectives for their placement before starting
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Health, safety, and workplace expectations - practical onboarding for working within a partner organisation
Phase 2 — Placement & Mentorship (Weeks 2–7)
Residents are embedded within a UDGN Residency Network partner, contributing to real projects and day-to-day operations. Throughout the placement, residents receive regular mentorship check-ins and ongoing support from UDGN, alongside hands-on guidance from their host organisation.
Phase 3 — Review & Progression (Final Week)
Residents reflect on their learning, present outcomes from their placement, and receive structured feedback from both their mentor and host organisation. UDGN supports each resident in planning their next steps whether that's a further opportunity within the Residency Network or the next stage of their career.
The UDGN Residency Network
Below are current members of the UDGN Residency Network, each offering structured residency roles to programme participants.
Opportunities
Ladbroke Hall — General Operations Resident
Organisation Bio:
Ladbroke Hall is a London-based arts and culture venue bringing together live music, fine dining, contemporary art, and creative events. With a programme of 120+ annual events spanning jazz, classical performances, screenings, talks, and exhibitions, Ladbroke Hall sits at the intersection of hospitality, entertainment, and the arts.
Internship Role:
General Operations Intern
Role Responsibilities:
Support day-to-day operations across departments
Assist with marketing and communications activities
Support PR, press, and audience engagement tasks
Contribute to event coordination and hospitality logistics
Engage across teams including programming, restaurant, and private hire
Website Link: ladbrokehall.com
Opportunities
I.DEA PR — Fashion PR Resident
Organisation Bio:
I.DEA PR is a boutique fashion public relations agency supporting designers and creative brands through media relations, press strategy, and fashion week activations.
Internship Role:
Fashion PR Assistant
Role Responsibilities:
• Support PR activities during fashion weeks and industry events
• Assist with research, media lists, and press materials
• Support backstage coordination and event logistics
• Monitor press coverage and compile reports
• Assist with influencer outreach and client communications
Website Link: I.DEA PR
Programme Participant Directionary
The UDGN Industry Residency Programme gave me the opportunity to work across marketing and programming at Ladbroke Hall. It strengthened my creativity, communication, and understanding of how cultural projects are developed and delivered within the creative industries.
Bengisu Acar
Through the UDGN Industry Residency Programme, I gained hands-on experience in marketing and programming at Ladbroke Hall. The experience has helped me build practical skills, collaborate within a professional environment, and develop greater confidence in pursuing a career in the creative sector.
Iyama Charles
Before joining my placement through London College of Fashion, my understanding of the creative industry was largely shaped by observation and study. Through my experience as a graphic design intern, I’ve had the opportunity to step into a professional environment, contribute to real projects, and develop my graphic skills. This experience has strengthened my confidence in my creative voice and affirmed my ambition to build a career in design.
Xara Al Said
My time at UDGN has involved creating graphics across different projects, which has strengthened how I approach layout, concept, and execution. It has helped me apply new ideas directly into my work at London College of Fashion, with a stronger focus on clarity, consistency, and developing concepts into resolved outcomes.
Emily Killingworth
Working at UDGN in Operations and Partnerships has given me real life experience on the logistics and aspects needed to run a full-scale event and business. The company really allows individuals to take initiative and grow in their own ways, as taking real responsibility and ownership within projects creates a sense of fulfillment in results.
Alyssa Wong
Working with UDGN has given me the opportunity to experience the industry beyond university and apply what I’m studying at LCF in a real working environment.
Through working on partnerships and sponsorships, I’ve developed skills in research, critical thinking, and understanding how to identify brands that genuinely align with a project’s vision and audience.
Dorsa Fatemi
Completing my placement through London College of Fashion has given me a new perspective on what it means to work within a fast-paced creative environment. Working as a social media intern allowed me to better understand how ideas are translated into engaging digital content and how strong visual communication shapes the identity of a brand.
Mehansa Herath
My time with the Operations team at UDGN has given me treasured insight into the workings and dedication backing the fashion industry. My critical thinking has developed alongside my understanding of the fast-paced environment of the fashion industry, skills which I will take with me into my studies and future career.
Molly Newsam
During this internship, i have practised hands-on working towards a live fashion event. Creating social media content across different platforms has given me more of an understanding of the differences and specifics of each aspect, practising scheduling, content creation, time management, and brand image.
Adriana Meskauskaite
My experience as a Social Media Intern at UDGN has allowed me to gain hands on experience within the fashion and creative industry while developing my skills in content creation, branding, and digital communication. It has given me the opportunity to contribute to visual storytelling and audience engagement while gaining a deeper understanding of how brands connect with their communities online. This experience has strengthened both my creativity and confidence, and has motivated me to pursue a future in this direction
Sarah Wong
My experience at the UDGN industry residency programme has given me the opportunity to operate across multiple roles, from social media management to styling and communications. This experience strengthened my ability to work professionally in the fashion industry while understanding the importance of structure, strategy, and teamwork within a fashion environment. It has played a key role in shaping me into a more versatile and confident creative.
Milanne Gordon
Before joining UDGN, I had only seen the fashion industry from the outside. Through my six-week placement with I.DEA PR, I stepped into a real working environment and supported the team during Fashion Week. As a young Black woman entering the industry, access and opportunity mean everything. This internship has shown me that I belong in this space and has given me the confidence to take my career seriously.
Morife Olubajo