Almost 200 secondary schools and colleges across West Yorkshire are set to receive free support to educate young people about careers in the creative industries.
The support – funded by Mayor Tracy Brabin with specialist input from Leeds Heritage Theatres and Grand Futures Leeds Art Network – is a collection of free, downloadable lesson plans designed to empower teachers to open up the world of the creative industries to their pupils.
The interactive and educational lesson plans include interviews with working creatives in the region, filmed and delivered by trainee journalists from Leeds City College.
Through the advice and expertise of creatives – including both on-stage and backstage talent such as set and costume designers – the West Yorkshire Mayor hopes to showcase the variety of roles on offer in the region’s booming creative industries, on the eve of Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.
Mayor Brabin, who enjoyed a thirty-year career as an actor and writer before entering politics, has pledged to offer the same opportunities she had to young people across West Yorkshire, by building a “region of learning and creativity.”
She will also collaborate with other Northern Mayors on a new partnership called One Creative North, with plans for a £50 million investment bank to support high-growth creative industries businesses.
Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: “West Yorkshire’s creative industries are bursting with amazing careers waiting to be seized, and I want young people across our communities to follow their passions and thrive in life.
“However, I know how difficult and daunting this can be, for some more than others. That’s why we’re giving free support to hundreds of schools to inspire and educate their students, no matter their circumstances or background.
“I’m confident this new initiative will provide invaluable opportunities for creative talent to be unleashed in a stronger, brighter West Yorkshire that works for all.”
Catherine Hayward, Interim Head of Learning & Engagement at Leeds Heritage Theatres, said: “As a network, Grand Futures (chaired by Leeds Heritage Theatres) is committed to increasing opportunities for young people to explore the creative industries – right here in West Yorkshire.
“We know that the arts can often seem like a mystery, the magic of backstage hidden from the audience’s view, but through our projects we shine a light on some of the less well-known job roles in our industry.
“By gaining a thorough understanding of the arts sector in our region, we hope young people will develop a deeper understanding of the sector and take steps towards a career in the creative industries.”
The Mayor’s new “Careers in the Arts” initiative was launched on Friday (13 September) at the “West Yorkshire School, College and Business Leaders Conference” in Wakefield, which brought together over 200 employers and educators from across the region.
The West Yorkshire Combined Authority also launched a new “skills swap service” and “careers portal,” designed to help schools and colleges teach the transferable skills that young people need to succeed, while connecting them directly with the employers who can offer valuable opportunities for work experience.
The three new initiatives are all part of the Combined Authority-led “West Yorkshire Careers Hub,” which comprises almost 200 schools and 600 business volunteers, all dedicated to preparing young people for the world of work.
