Channel 4 seeks partners in Leeds for programme to find the creative sector leaders of future

Last year, 47 trainees took part in the 14-week programme, which included bespoke training and a work placement at 4Studio, Channel 4’s in-house digital content studio, or at a creative organisation in Leeds and Manchester. Channel 4 is looking for other organisations across Leeds and Manchester to support the programme.

A Channel 4 spokesman said: “Over the course of the programme, the trainees developed their creative skills, confidence and knowledge and were able to put this into practice with many going on to immediate employment in the creative sector.

“The scheme is led and funded by 4Skills, and the trainees are paid the real living wage, with partners providing 50 per cent of the salary while the trainees on placements.”

In 2022, the creative partners included 4Studio, Born Ugly, Chief, Consume Communications, CreativeRace, Denstu Creative, Dubit, ITV Studios, Jaywing, Leeds 2023, McCann, Social, and Wise Owl Films.

4Skills is now seeking creative partners to be part of the 2023 Content Creatives scheme. Recruitment will begin after Easter with the 24-week course beginning in September.

They are looking to work with digital creative organisations, producers and agencies, who want to support local diverse talent by providing a 16 week work placement.

Kevin Blacoe, Head of Partnerships & Skills said: “Content Creatives is there to help young people with a passion for creativity take their first steps in the industry.

"Working with creative organisations across Leeds and Manchester to open up opportunities has been incredibly rewarding and we can’t wait to work with a new group of like-minded partners in 2023.”

Sarah Dear, Managing Partner at Born Ugly, said: “Taking part was very worthwhile and a rewarding experience for our whole team. We all know that great creative businesses need more diverse thinking to solve business and brand challenges, and this programme was a brilliant way for us to get more of this into our studio.”

Lizzy Cooney, who now works at Born Ugly as a provocation (strategy) Executive, after participating in the programme, said: “Content Creatives provided me with an invaluable stepping stone into the creative industry and introduced me to a career route I didn't know existed. It's really encouraging to see so many amazing organisations concerned with increasing diversity and access in these sectors, and I believe Content Creatives alumni are a force to be reckoned with.”

4Skills would like to hear from any creative organisations that are interested in taking part in the next Creative Content cohort. To find out more email [email protected] by March 6 for more information.

Last year 4Skills generated more than 23,000 training, development and learning opportunities for people across the UK, focusing on people from underrepresented groups.

It delivered more than 4,000 career progression opportunities through fast track schemes, bursaries, training and mentoring and more than 200 paid entry level roles including internships, apprenticeships and production training schemes.