Do you know a young person who is passionate about media but unsure how to begin their journey? RTÉ’s JumpStart Programme 2026 is designed to help aspiring media professionals explore opportunities, build skills, and gain valuable insight into the industry.
We encourage community leaders, youth workers, and local organisations to start thinking now about young people in their networks who would be a great fit for this exciting opportunity.
✅ To apply, participants must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Have an interest in pursuing a career in media
- Be nominated by a community or youth group
📧 To express interest, email Diversity@RTE.ie today.
📍 JumpStart Programme 2026 Locations & Dates
Dublin: 24–28 August 2026
Cork: 14–18 September 2026
Help us connect the next generation of media talent with the opportunities they deserve. Read up on last years succesful programme below!

JumpStart is a pilot initiative launched by RTÉ Diversity & Inclusion and RTÉ Learn, designed to open doors for young people who may not have previously seen themselves represented in the media industry.
In its first run, JumpStart welcomed 13 participants from across Dublin, nominated by youth workers, Travelling Community organisations, and refugee support groups. The programme focused on building confidence, creative skills, and career readiness.
What Participants Learned:
· Filming and editing using mobile phones
· Storytelling and podcasting
· Research and content creation
· Life skills like CV writing, interview prep, and confidence building
JumpStart is a vibrant complement to RTÉ’s award-winning Internship Programme. It’s about helping young people take their next steps with more direction and a stronger belief in their potential.
And JumpStart will be back in the Summer of 2026. Stay tuned, and bookmark this page, to be the first to know.