Channel 4 is offering 25 more career-changing opportunities to young people based in the north of England.
Twenty-five young people from disadvantaged backgrounds will have the chance to kickstart a career in the creative industries after Channel 4 set up a range of partnerships with businesses based in Manchester and Leeds.
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.
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.”
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 and 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 some fantastic creative organisations on either side of the Pennines including Chief, Consume Comms, Dentsu Creative, Dubit, Jaywing, Leeds 2023 and Social. And negotiations are still on-going with several other companies with a view to them joining the scheme.
The organisations cover a range of creative disciplines, but each has a passion for creativity and a commitment to supporting and nurturing talent.
Content Creatives is already supporting 18 young people with training and work placements in Leeds, opening up the world of the creative industry and providing practical experience and opportunities.
Colin Offland, CEO at Manchester-based Chief Productions said: “Chief is all about making great content, from commercials, to TV, to music promos and everything in between. To make great content we need great talent, and partnering with Channel 4 on Content Creatives will help our ambition to find, develop and nurture creative talent. We want to provide opportunities for young people from the region with creative passions and diverse perspectives, and give them their first steps into an amazing career in the creative sector.”
Julie Chadwick, Managing Partner, at Manchester-based Dentsu Creative said: “Dentsu Creative is committed to providing opportunities and nurturing the next generation of talent. This partnership with Channel 4 will offer fantastic opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the Manchester area and we’re thrilled to be part of this project”
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 and can be made at https://sharpfutures.org.uk/channel-4-content-creatives/
