Channel 4 has partnered with a number of Northern agencies and other organisations to offer 25 career-changing opportunities to young people based in the North.
The opportunities come as the broadcaster launches the next round of recruitment for its Content Creatives initiative – a training and work scheme aimed at 18 to 24-year-olds with a passion for content creation and creativity. It will be the first time the Channel 4 Content Creatives initiative will run in Manchester as well as Leeds.
The fully paid 14-week scheme sees trainees undertake six weeks of bespoke training with the specialist company SharpFutures. The training covers production techniques, storytelling, pitching as other key skills such as teamwork and communication.
The training is followed by an eight-week work placement either with 4Studio, Channel 4’s digital content studio, or one of Channel 4’s creative partners in Leeds or Manchester.
For this cohort of trainees, Channel 4 has lined up work placements with organisations including Chief, Consume Comms, Dentsu Creative, Dubit, Jaywing, Leeds 2023 and Social, with others set to follow.
Sinéad Rocks, Channel 4’s Managing Director Nations and Regions, said: “We know our Content Creative initiative can change people’s lives and we’re really thrilled to extend the programme to Manchester and offer more opportunities than ever before.
“Working with partners in Leeds and Manchester means that more young people with a passion for creativity can take that first, important step into a career that they might not even had realised existed on their doorstep.”
Content Creatives is already supporting 18 young people with training and work placements in Leeds.
Rosie, 20, from Sheffield, currently on the scheme in Leeds, said: “Prior to Content Creatives, I had little knowledge and awareness of the creative industry and no idea on where to start getting experience.
“The training has educated me about the broad range of roles within the industry as well as how to have confidence in my skills. Currently, I’m on a placement at a design company and couldn’t be more thankful to have been given the opportunity.”
Karl Stones, Executive Creative Director at Jaywing based in Leeds said: “Creative industries like ours in the north are crying out for a fresh impetus of home-grown talent. But the irony is, most young people on our doorstep don’t know we exist and what we really do.
“We’re fiercely passionate about finding the next generation of writers, editors, designers, storytellers and makers – and we know how hard it can be get a foot through the door. So it’s important we seize opportunities to address this wherever possible. This opportunity alongside Channel 4 to unearth diverse young talent with a passion for creativity enables us to help shine a light on them.”
The Content Creatives scheme is open to people aged 18-24 who are able to work in either Leeds or Manchester. Applications need to be submitted by Monday 4th July here.
