
Creative Workforce for the Future - Placement Call (closed)

Are you ready to work in the creative industries but struggling to get a foot in the door?
Do you need more experience? Professional contacts? More work for your portfolio? Mentoring to achieve your goals?
Apply for the Creative Workforce for the Future placement scheme. Applications have now closed.
Creative Workforce for the Future is a new programme by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and the European Social Fund (ESF). It will enable talented young people to gain the experience required to sustain creative careers in sectors such as film, broadcast, digital production, animation and post-production.
What will the scheme offer me?
- You will undertake a 48 week paid placement.
- You will develop your experience, C.V., portfolio, industry contacts.
- You will have access to a network of people (called the Talent Network) offering opportunity, industry expertise and advice.
- You will be connected to creative businesses and provided with a dedicated mentor to work with you throughout your placements.
- You will be equipped with the tools and know-how to sustain a career whether in employment or while freelancing.
- In addition the companies you will be placed with will receive training to support them to become an employer that is more inclusive.
To check whether you are eligible to apply, please read the eligibility criteria below.
- Phase One: January to July 2020
You will undertake a 24 week placement at a cultural hub in Bristol or Bath in the creative industries. You can apply to one of six cultural hubs. Each cultural hub offers specific experience in addition to the key skills you will develop wherever you are based. You can read about what to expect at each hub at the bottom of this page. Read carefully and consider which one hub will be the right fit for your skills and ambitions.
During your time at the cultural hub you will develop the skills to thrive in a creative business environment. You will be an active participant in a Talent Network with peers, which will provide further opportunities, industry expertise and advice. You will also receive support and guidance from a dedicated mentor who will work closely with you. You will meet regularly to discuss your career progression and further placements.
- Phase Two: July to December 2020
You will spend 24 weeks at two small to medium sized creative media companies matched to your skills and interests.
During your placements, you might focus on disciplines such as film, broadcast, digital production, animation, or post-production. Your mentor will continue working with you throughout your placements to support transitions, career development and your experience within the companies.
- Phase Three: Post-placements
The Talent Network will continue to offer support and opportunities as you begin your journey into paid work in the creative industries.
If you apply for the scheme and are not selected to undertake a placement, you will be invited to become a part of the Creative Workforce for the Future Talent Network managed by Rife, with opportunity to hear about jobs, attend free masterclasses and events and connect with industry.
Am I eligible to apply?
You must be:
- aged 18 - 30 years on first day of placement
- a UK resident
- have a National Insurance number registered at an address in the West of England (Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire)
- NOT currently enrolled at University or at University when the placement starts
- available for 4 days per week for the entire placement period (27 January to Christmas 2020).
- able to demonstrate relevant training/skills for working in the creative industries, e.g. you have a University degree, BTEC, GNVQ or other vocational/practical course or relevant experience demonstrating skills, e.g. through work experience, an apprenticeship or training programmes such as Eight Creative Agency, New Creatives, BFI Film Academy, or a portfolio of outstanding work.
This is a positive action scheme, which means we are specifically inviting applications from those not currently widely represented within the creative industries in the region.
This scheme is therefore only open to those who either/or:
- are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background
- identify as someone with a disadvantaged socio-economic background
(eg. Type of school attended at age 11-16, free school meal eligibility, parental experience of higher education, carer status, parental occupation when you were aged 14, parental housing situation when you were aged 11-16)
What will I get paid?
All participants will be paid a training allowance of £257.00 per week based on 32 hours/week.
You will be paid through a training contract which means that you will not need to pay tax or national insurance over the amount.
Holiday: you will be entitled to pro-rata of 28 days holiday during the 48 week Placement Period
How long is the training contract?
The contract is 48 weeks, from 27 January to Christmas 2020
4 days per week with some evenings for network opportunities or events where appropriate
We are looking for young people who:
- are eager to learn, develop new skills and knowledge, and actively participate in meetings, sessions with your dedicated mentor and professional development;
- are organised, self-motivated and reliable and can be on time for work;
- are looking to hone communication skills and have productive working relationships with colleagues, peers and those that you work with;
- have a genuine passion for creative work and a desire to work in the creative / cultural industries;
- want to develop confidence, professional networks and awareness of the career choices available.
How to apply
Applications have now closed.
For any queries: creative.workforce@bristolbathcreative.org
Hubs you can apply for:
The Guild - Digital Marketing (closed)

Bristol Museums - Exhibition & Events (closed)

Knowle West Media Centre - Video Production (closed)

Spike Island - Digital Content (closed)

Rife Magazine - Digital & Video content (closed)
Creative Youth Network: The Station - Creative Producing (closed)
