Channel 4’s Content Creatives training programme is offering more than 30 individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds the chance to launch their careers in the creative industry. The programme provides a full-time, fully paid training opportunity lasting 24 weeks for those with a passion for digital content and creativity.
Recruitment for the scheme has begun, and selected trainees will participate in eight weeks of specialised training led by SharpFutures, a Manchester-based social enterprise. The virtual classroom sessions cover various aspects of digital media, including content creation, digital storytelling, pitching, teamwork, and communication.
Following the training, the trainees will apply their newly acquired skills and creativity in real working environments through over 30 fully paid placements available in Leeds, Bradford, and Manchester. These placements can be with 4Studio, Channel 4’s digital content unit in Leeds, or with one of the creative partners involved in the program.
The creative partners include Born Ugly, Behaviours Agency, Boutique, Bradford University, Chief, Finn, Golden, Hatch, Jaywing, Limehouse, Social, and Visions. The program is led and funded by 4Skills, with trainees receiving the real living wage. The partners contribute 50% of the salary for trainees on placements.
Sinead Rocks, Channel 4’s Managing Director Nations & Regions, expressed the program’s success in providing opportunities for young people in the creative industry. She encouraged individuals passionate about digital content creation to apply, as it could open up exciting career prospects.
Content Creatives, now in its third year, has already helped numerous trainees secure jobs or further opportunities in the creative industry. The program, starting in September, is part of 4Skills and aims to support individuals from lower socio-economic backgrounds in launching their creative careers.
Hatch, which has bases in Leeds and London, emphasised the importance of Content Creatives in providing hands-on skills to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. They highlighted their commitment to offering work experience to talented individuals regardless of their background, life stage, or qualifications. Hatch is proud to partner with Channel 4 to provide placement opportunities.
The current iteration of the scheme is longer, more impactful, and involves more partners than previous editions. It is delivered in collaboration with The Talent People and SharpFutures.
The Content Creatives scheme welcomes applications from individuals over the age of 18 residing in Yorkshire or Greater Manchester or those able to commute. The deadline for applications is Sunday, July 16, and interested individuals can apply at https://www.c4contentcreatives.com/.
The scheme will be operational from Monday, September 11, to Friday, March 8, 2024.
Creative organisations in Leeds and Manchester can still participate and provide placements in this or future cohorts. For more information, contact 4Skills at 4Skills@channel4.co.uk.
