New Partnership Launches Creative Industry Training in Bradford

Collaboration aims to boost skills and employment for young people

A new partnership has been established between Bradford College, Production Park, and the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) to enhance training and employment opportunities in the creative and live events sectors. The collaboration centres around The Producing Academy, a specialist Level 3 programme based at Bradford College, designed to prepare students for careers in creative production and related industries.

Details of the Partnership

The three organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a joint programme focusing on skills development, training, and progression opportunities, particularly for young people aged 16 to 24. The partnership combines Bradford College’s further education expertise, Production Park’s live events facilities and industry connections, and ALT’s higher education provision.

Key Features of The Producing Academy and Partnership Initiatives

• Industry-led enrichment activities and experiences for Producing Academy students at Production Park
• Short, intensive training programmes aimed at unemployed young adults aged 18-24 to support entry into creative and live events careers
• Curriculum co-design aligned with current industry skills shortages
• Clear progression pathways from Level 3 Producing Academy courses into degree programmes at ALT
• Joint outreach efforts to schools across Bradford to raise awareness of careers in the creative industries

Students involved in the programme will have opportunities for hands-on learning, including site visits, live project briefs, workshops with industry professionals, and exposure to advanced production environments.

Statements from Key Representatives

Sarah Towan, Vice Principal at Bradford College, highlighted the importance of the partnership in providing students with direct access to industry and clear progression routes into employment and higher education.

Lee Brooks, CEO of Production Park, emphasised the role of the partnership in creating pathways into skilled careers within the creative and live events sectors, aiming to support the sector’s long-term growth.

Rachel Nicholson, Head of Institution at the Academy of Live Technology, noted that linking The Producing Academy with ALT’s higher education programmes creates accessible progression routes for learners aspiring to degree-level study and careers in the creative industries.

Regional and National Impact

The partnership supports broader regional and national objectives to grow the creative economy, address skills shortages, and improve employment outcomes for young people in Bradford and beyond.