“Hundreds of thousands” of young people across the UK are set to benefit from a major UK government-backed careers programme, aimed at widening access to the cultural and creative industries.
Launched on 16 July, and funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the refreshed Discover Creative Careers programme is aimed at young people aged 11–24, with a particular focus on those from under-represented backgrounds and underserved regions.
It is designed to “equip the next generation with the ambition, skills and knowledge to build lasting careers across the UK’s world-leading cultural and creative sector”.
The programme fulfils a core commitment made in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, and is being delivered by the Creative Careers Collective: a national consortium comprising Futures For All (lead partner), Creative UK and Creative Access.
Together, these organisations “combine complementary strengths in education, industry engagement, digital delivery and social mobility, to deliver an inclusive national careers programme for young people”.
Underpinned by a single UK-wide digital platform, Discover Creative Careers will connect young people with employers and provide a clear route into creative careers – through activities such as work experience, inspirational talks, informative webinars, networking events and more.
The programme will also support teachers, parents, careers advisers and work coaches with the knowledge, resources and employer connections needed to help young people navigate opportunities within the sector.
Activity will run year-round, with focused national moments – including a refreshed UK-wide Discover Month in November.
Commenting on the launch, creative industries minister Ian Murray said: “The UK’s creative industries are the envy of the world, but that strength only holds if we engage the breadth of talent this country has to offer.
“Young people from every corner of the UK have stories worth telling and skills worth developing. Our job is to make sure the path into those industries is open to all of them.
“Discover Creative Careers is exactly the kind of programme that makes that possible. Bringing together employers, educators and young people creates real connections and opportunities to build a creative workforce that truly reflects the country it serves.
“I’m proud that this Government is funding it, and look forward to working with our new delivery partners.”
Nick Brook, CEO, Futures For All, added: “We’re delighted to be leading Discover Creative Careers alongside Creative UK, Creative Access and our wider delivery partners.
“The UK’s creative industries are among the most dynamic and exciting sectors in the world, yet too many young people struggle to access the experiences, networks and opportunities that can help them build a career within them.
“Discover Creative Careers will bring together schools, employers and industry partners through a single national programme, helping young people gain real-world experience, build confidence and turn their interest in the creative industries into real opportunities.
“By connecting employers with talented young people from every part of the UK, the programme will help open up opportunities, strengthen pathways into the sector and support the future talent pipeline for the creative industries.”
Emily Cloke, CEO, Creative UK, concluded: “Creative careers are for everyone – not the privileged few.
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Futures for All and Creative Access on this important programme to help break down barriers for young people right across the UK, and connect businesses, organisations and practitioners with the next generation of UK creative talent.
“A strong, diverse talent pipeline is essential to our future success, and I am thrilled that the Creative Careers Collective has come together to help fulfil a core Sector Plan commitment – to raise awareness of the magic of creative careers, and support young people from all backgrounds to access them.”
