Stratford-upon-Avon College, alongside partner Solihull College & University Centre, recently reached the finals of the Employer Engagement Category at the Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Awards in London.
Staff from the Creative Arts department were on hand to accept their certificate. Head of School for Creative Arts, Nicky Haines, was delighted. She commented: “We believe this recognition highlights our dedication to creating an outstanding provision and our commitment to engaging with our employers and freelancers in the region and developing a talent pipeline. We also want to thank the West Midlands Combined Authority who fund our provision.”
The College delivers a measurable impact in the creative field to enable students from non-traditional backgrounds to access sustainable and career focused opportunities across a range of roles within the industry including digital media, fashion, and backstage production.
The College also leads creative bootcamps in a bid to get more people into roles to fill skills gaps in the industry.
Nicky Haines says they have a plethora of talent delivering the bootcamps: “Bootcamp manager Sophie Jolly works with TV specialist, Caroline Officer, and Theatre Lighting Director, Vince Herbert, who bring their exceptional industry experience to collaborate with our amazing industry partners in developing Bootcamps that lead to real jobs and opportunities for participants.
“There is a well-documented diversity gap in the screen industry workforce in the West Midlands, which our programmes have actively worked to address. We have had the honour and privilege of collaborating with incredibly talented creatives, supporting them as they transition into production roles. Notably, 41% of our cohort were classed as economically inactive. After participating in our Bootcamps, they are now working within the creative screen sector – an achievement we are immensely proud of.
“These programmes are not just about training; they are about fostering a thriving creative community built on core values of inclusivity, ongoing professional development, support and mentorship.”
The recent TV Bootcamp, delivered in collaboration with Rumpus for the Joe Lycett Show filmed and produced in Birmingham, was a resounding success. Every participant who took part has continued working in the industry.
