A group of well-known creative businesses in Bristol have launched a new internship programme for people from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds.
Oscar-winning Wallace and Gromit creators Aardman Animation are among 15 organisations including web developers, marketing firms and creative content agencies participating in the scheme.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Bristol Creative Industries (BCI) network and social enterprise Babbasa, is aiming to help young people aged 18-24 from across the city who are looking to gain insight and experience in the industry.
It comes after a report commissioned by BCI last year found around half of creative firms surveyed said they needed more help finding diverse talent from underrepresented groups.
Starting on May 15, each successful applicant will work for six months, undergoing two placements with two different agencies, both lasting three months each. The programme will provide a mix of professional skills training, creative skills training, inspirational talks, networking events, mentoring and opportunities for future employment.
BCI chair Chris Thurling said: “The creative industry in Bristol is one of the best in the country, and we want to help open this up to as many young people in the city as we can. Our aim with this programme is to work closely with the fantastic team at Babbasa to connect bright young talent with some of the city’s best- and well-established businesses.”
Babbasa, which specialises in helping disadvantaged young people from ethnic minority and low-income backgrounds into work, education and business, will lead the recruitment process.
Poku Pipim Osei, chief executive and founder of Babbasa, said: “Last year, we consulted with a range of city partners and underrepresented communities to better understand how Bristol can close the inequality gap for the next generation, in a report called the OurCity2030: Socioeconomic Analysis Report.
“What was striking is that over 38% of the young people surveyed had aspirations to pursue a career in the creative industries. This is why we are excited to be part of this partnership, as a demonstration of our commitment to work collaboratively and unlock doors for those who would not have otherwise had the chance.”
Babbasa recently bolstered its senior leadership team with six appointments to its expanded board, as part of its long-term ambition to grow nationally, and replicate its social mobility model across other cities.
Mr Osei was named Business Person of the Year at the BristolLive Business Awards 2022, while Babbasa also won the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the event held at Ashton Gate Stadium last September.
The full list of Bristol creative companies taking part in the internship scheme
Aardman Animations
Aer Studios
Armadillo
Atomic Smash
Diva
Halo
McCann Bristol
Mr B & Friends
Newicon
Noble Digital Performance
Oakwood Media Group
Six
saintnicks
ThirtyThree
TMW Unlimited
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