Creativity in action: Stoke on Trent College inspire students in Creative Careers Week

Students at Stoke on Trent College have been getting exclusive insight into the digital and creative sector this week, as part of Discover! Creative Careers Week, a flagship event organised as part of a programme that inspires 11-18 year olds to consider the creative industries for their career choices.

Creative Careers Week has been an opportunity for students to learn new skills, gain exposure to the industry and network with employers and those working within the digital & creative industries. Local creative organisations, Carse & Waterman and Inspired Film & Video have been inspiring students through video presentations, helping them develop their skills, including filming techniques, gaining valuable exposure to the creative process of filming and videography.

Students were also thrilled to hear from CyberKiln who met with T Level Coding students with a session designed to bring attention to what employers are looking for across the creative and digital sector. They were also joined by Tim Copsey, from the British Film Institute (BFI), who offered advice and first-hand insights into the British film industry. Tim spoke about the BFI’s residential programmes, motivating students to explore future careers in the creative industries.

Tim Copsey from the British Film Institute said:

“The BFI offer a variety of courses for 16 to 19-year-olds to develop specialist skills and build a career in the film industry.

“These include; props & art department, cinematography, editing and post-production, film festival programming and audience development, curation and archiving, production management, visual effects and hair, wigs, makeup and prosthetics. On these courses you’ll work closely with leading industry professionals, use industry standard equipment and gain a unique insight into the filmmaking business.”

Michael McDonald, Business Development Director at Inspired Film & Video said:

“We all consume more and more digital content each day and brands, educators and individuals have all become broadcasters.  

“Someone is needed to make this content. The work Stoke on Trent College is doing to develop these skills is vital if the area is to remain competitive. These are the skills of now and the future.”

Antoinette Lythgoe, Chief Financial Officer and Interim CEO at Stoke on Trent College said:

“Creative Careers Week is a fantastic opportunity for our digital and creative learners to get an insight into the media industry from local and national professionals.

“We are delighted that one of our Skills Pledge Partners Carse & Waterman has shown further support for this focussed week of activity and that Inspired Film & Video, who recently produced our splendid new promotional video have also embraced the opportunity to inspire our learners.

The visit from Tim from the British Film Institute has shown learners that there is also a very attainable career route to the top of the country’s film industry.”

This week has thousands of encounters across the country, designed to support more young people, particularly those facing the greatest disadvantage, in accessing information about careers in the creative industries.

In a bid to tackle skills shortages and to widen the pool of talent the creative industries attract, Discover! Creative Careers week is an opportunity for employers to lift the lid on jobs and pathways in the creative sectors. Through in-person events including workshops at workplaces and schools, as well as virtual opportunities, employers have been inspiring the next generation of filmmakers, product designers, TV producers, advertisers, animators and dancers, amongst other key creative professionals.

Mary Rose, Programme Lead for Discover! Creative Careers said:

“The UK’s creative industries are world-leading and I want to thank everyone for getting involved in Discover! Creative Careers Week and for sharing their expertise in their sectors with students. Engagement with industry is so important for ensuring we can create a diverse pipeline of talent entering the creative workforce and plug the current skills gaps that impact the sector, particularly by linking education to industry in their own regional area.

“This year’s Discover! Creative Careers Week is set to be a fantastic success thanks to the organisations that have worked with us to provide excellent work experience opportunities and industry encounters for young people across the country. These encounters are invaluable to debunking misconceptions about the sector and underlining that people from all backgrounds can and should consider the creative industries for their careers. We know that encounters in the workplace have a huge impact on young people in terms of considering a career in the creative industries.”

Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England, who support the programme said:

“Our world-leading cultural industries offer young people a broad range of exciting professional opportunities that allow them to explore their creative interests, whatever they may be. I hope this year’s Discover! Creative Careers Week will not only inspire the next generation of creatives from across England but also offer them pathways to meaningful, long-term careers in our industry.”