Channel 4 has announced the first cohort of 4Skills trainees who will join its 4Studio digital content production unit in Leeds.
The group of 6 all hail from Yorkshire and are aged between 18 and 24.
The initiative is to help grassroots talent in the region develop their digital content creation skills. During the paid placement they’ll work alongside 4Studio’s team to create and deliver content as well as undertake a range of courses covering production, storytelling, ideas generation and pitching skills.
“Offering young regional talent specialist training, real-life paid experience and skills can open a totally new career to people in the Nations and Regions – it is the perfect example of what we want to achieve with our 4 All The UK strategy,” explained Janine Smith, 4Studio’s Digital Content Director.
“Through our unique 4Studio programme, we’re particularly keen to nurture talent from right across the Yorkshire region and seek out people who might otherwise have never considered a career in the broadcast industry. I really hope this acts as a springboard for these six young people and leads them on to careers they’d never imagined possible.”
The participants are Ryan from Wakefield, Ellie from Keighley, Albina from Leeds, Aslan from Dewsbury plus Neve and Rachel, both from Leeds.
Before heading to the Leeds studio, the group spent 6 weeks undergoing specialist training organised by Manchester-based social enterprise, SharpFutures.
“It has been great to work with Channel 4 and the 4Studio team to recruit and develop such a talented group of young people. We’ve really enjoyed helping each of the cohort grow their creative and digital skills ahead of what will be an amazing six weeks for them at 4Studio,” added Lee Stanley, CEO of SharpFutures.
“It’s an exciting time to be a content creator and I hope this experience gives each of the group the opportunity and confidence to develop an exciting career, whatever they chose to do”.
