Powerhouse has opened its doors to the brightest minds of photography and filmmaking from Leeds Arts and Leeds Beckett for a female-focused Uni Insight Day ahead of this week’s International Women’s Day.
With a dual purpose of championing equality and diversity in the creative sector and fuelling the ambitions of future generations, the event showcased the multitude of roles and pathways available for aspiring creatives.
Powerhouse, a fervent advocate for inclusivity within the creative sector, consistently takes strides to cultivate this mindset and break barriers.
Highlighting the significance of such initiatives, Neil Adams, CEO at Powerhouse said: “The North’s creative industry has so much potential. It’s our responsibility to influence it positively and leave a lasting impact. By investing in the education of future talent, we’re ensuring a legacy that resonates with innovation, diversity, and limitless possibilities.”
Building on the success of last year’s event, designed for young marketing professionals, Powerhouse shifted the focus this year towards providing Leeds’ students with an immersive experience into the dynamic creative scene.
The event featured a panel discussion with female industry leaders from brands Magnet Kitchens, Dr Oetker, MPM, and agency Alchemy Media, in which attendees had the unique opportunity to glean valuable insights, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs in their careers.
The students also got stuck in with hands-on activity facilitated by the Powerhouse team. Under the guidance of professionals across the board – from client services, producers to creatives – they delved into the intricacies of content production, gaining a firsthand look at the entire process, from the initial client briefing to the final delivery.
The impact on the participants’ perceptions and career aspirations was overwhelmingly positive, as evidenced by the survey responses. A unanimous 100% of attendees expressed a better understanding of working in the creative sector and said that they now have more clarity about their next career steps.
80% agreed that the event significantly contributed to progressing their career planning, and the same number expressed willingness to apply for positions within the company.
Finally, students rated the likelihood of recommending an insight visit to a friend an average of nine out of 10.
Debbie Adams, people development manager at Powerhouse, said: “We want to play our part in showcasing our vibrant industry and developing students’ awareness of the variety of career paths on offer and the key skills and attributes they need to succeed in a challenging job market. I encourage all businesses to make those connections with their local universities and get involved – it’s fun, really satisfying and great development for your own team!”
