The Sheffield College has launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening the city’s creative industries by connecting students with local employers. The scheme, named Sheffcol Creates – The Creative Academy, is designed to bridge the skills gap in Sheffield’s growing creative economy by providing students with hands-on industry experience.
Sheffield’s creative sector plays a crucial role in the local economy, generating nearly £1 billion annually and providing approximately 9,000 jobs across a wide range of fields. This includes design, digital marketing, film, photography, media production, and the performing arts. The new project aims to meet the growing demand for skilled workers in these industries by providing a collaborative approach to education.
Each year, The Sheffield College trains over 1,000 students in creative disciplines, including art and design, media, and performing arts, through a mix of diplomas and degree-level qualifications. Sheffcol Creates invites employers to participate in the curriculum actively, providing opportunities for mentorship, live briefs, and industry placements, among other forms of engagement.
The project’s official launch event was held at 99 Mary Street in the Cultural Industries Quarter, with key figures from the Sheffield Chamber of Commerce, Sheffield City Council, and the college in attendance. This initiative marks a significant step towards cultivating a pipeline of talent for Sheffield’s creative sector and ensuring its continued growth.
