Channel 4 launches scheme to support young digital creatives

Channel 4 has launched Content Creatives+, a development scheme through its training arm 4Skills to support young digital creatives in the North of England as they progress in their careers.

The programme builds on Content Creatives, introduced in 2021, which has delivered practical training in digital creative skills to more than 100 participants. The initiative has focused on young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, helping them secure entry-level roles and placements with agencies and organisations across the region.

Supporting progression for emerging talent

Content Creatives+ will offer selected alumni fully paid placements of at least two months with businesses based in Leeds and Manchester. The scheme aims to address barriers to employment and support career progression for participants from underrepresented groups.

The programme is delivered with recruitment agency We Are The Allies, which is identifying placement opportunities, and social enterprise SharpFutures, which is providing participant support throughout the placements.

Placements across northern agencies

Host companies include NewGen, MOB and SocialChain.

Charlotte Michael, Senior Portfolio Lead, Nations & Regions, Channel 4: "We’re excited to help our fantastic alumni to take the next step in their careers, through meaningful work placements allowing them to build on the foundational knowledge they’ve gained. This scheme will help those who may have stepped away from the sector to reconnect and enable all to grow their skills further."

Ismaeel Afzal, a participant on the scheme: "I graduated from the Channel 4 Content Creatives programme in 2025, having learnt a huge amount and I’ve been really excited to develop my creative career. I have been looking for roles so this paid placement with NewGen is an amazing opportunity. I’ve really enjoyed my first two weeks of placement and I’m learning so much from the NewGen team and the client work they do."

Industry backing for regional development

Tom Clarke, Head of Creative, SharpFutures: "We are very excited to working with Channel 4 on this programme – supporting a group of our Content Creatives alumni from the last 5 years into placements with some of the North’s very best creative agencies is a huge opportunity for each participant and continues Channel 4’s support of developing talent in the region. I’m sure each participant’s professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication will make their placements a hugely positive experience for everyone involved."

Pavan Ward, CEO, We Are The Allies: "At We are The Allies, we’re on a mission to connect the UK’s best creative talent with leading agencies and brands. Our partnership with Channel 4 and Sharp Futures is about mentoring and developing the next generation of creatives, and with over 400 clients across the UK, we’re well placed to help emerging talent find the right opportunities to build lasting careers in the industry."

www.channel4.com

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