Pictured above: (l-r) Chris Pyatt and Jonathan
Tiernan
A digital agency based at Birmingham Science Park Aston (BSPA)
has launched a new hands-on apprenticeship scheme for individuals
who want to get into the creative industry but have opted not to go
to university.
Launched by Class Creative, which has recently moved to BSPA,
the paid programme is targeted at those who are keen to progress
their fledgling careers in creative and digital media with live
commercial experience.
The feeder scheme, which will be run for 12 months, is intended
to prepare the apprentices for the next steps in their careers and
will culminate with each member of the programme being lined up
with interviews at some of Birmingham's largest marketing and
digital agencies.
Chris Pyatt, founder of Class Creative, said: "The creative
industries need a fresh approach to nurturing talent and more
opportunities for those at the very start of their careers, who are
just entering the sector. In time we hope to offer a support
service that provides an environment which is conducive to
professional growth and development. We very much treat the scheme
as a career not a job opportunity.
"I love the entrepreneurial atmosphere in Birmingham and we want
to be a part of the city's growing tech and digital scene, the hub
of which really is at the Science Park."
Since launching as a full-time venture in 2010, Class Creative
has established a diverse client base operating across sectors
including professional services, the arts and food retail.
Dr David Hardman, Chief Executive Officer, Birmingham Science
Park Aston, said: "Whilst it seems there are skills shortages in
this sector there also appears to be few opportunities for those
looking to break into creative industries if they haven't got a
university education behind them. Hence it is extremely encouraging
to see a company such as Class Creative engaging with a potentially
untapped resource in creative digital design."
Alongside web design and development, Class Creative also
undertakes email campaigns, branding and logo design, social media
management and search engine optimisation.