Channel 4 is on the hunt for creative agencies across Manchester and Leeds to take part in its Content Creative training programme.
The scheme has been designed to help young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to take their first steps in the creative industry.
Over the previous two years partners have included 4Studio, Born Ugly, Chief, Consume Communications, CreativeRace, Denstu Creative, Dubit, ITV Studios, Jaywing, Leeds 2023, McCann, Social, and Wise Owl Films.
Since the original pilot in 2021, dozens of trainees have secured new jobs from the scheme.
“Content Creatives is there to help young people with a passion for creativity take their first steps in the industry,” explained Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships & Skills.
“Working with creative organisations across Leeds and Manchester to open up opportunities has been incredibly rewarding and we can’t wait to work with a new group of like-minded partners in 2023.”
The scheme is led and funded by 4Skills, and the trainees are paid the real living wage, with partners providing 50% of the salary while the trainees on placements.
“Content Creatives provided me with an invaluable steppingstone into the creative industry and introduced me to a career route I didn’t know existed,” said Lizzy Cooney, who now works at Born Ugly as a Provocation (Strategy) Executive.
“The Content Creatives team and Born Ugly truly cared about my input and development, and I learnt so much about the industry whilst also developing my confidence and skills. It’s really encouraging to see so many amazing organisations concerned with increasing diversity and access in these sectors, and I believe Content Creatives alumni are a force to be reckoned with.”
4Skills wants to hear from digital creative organisations, producers and agencies who can provide a 16 week work placement.
Recruitment will begin after Easter with the 24-week course beginning in September.
The email is 4Skills@channel4.co.uk and the deadline is 6th March.
