Bradford College has teamed up with Production Park and the Academy of Live Technology (ALT) to create new training and employment pathways into the UK’s booming creative and live events sector.
The three organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding centred around Bradford College’s Producing Academy, with the aim of giving young people aged 16-24 direct routes into industry through specialist training, employer engagement and higher education progression.
The partnership will see students on the Level 3 Producing Academy programme benefit from industry-led experiences at Production Park, curriculum designed alongside employers and progression opportunities into degree courses at ALT.
READ MORE: University of Salford lands £1.2m innovation boost with five new business partnerships
It was announced during this week’s launch of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Region of Learning and Creativity Strategy by Mayor Tracy Brabin.
The collaboration will include:
- Industry-led enrichment and experiences for Producing Academy learners at Production Park
- Short, intensive training programmes for unemployed 18 to 24-year-olds looking to enter creative and live events careers
- Curriculum co-design to address industry skills shortages
- Progression routes from the Producing Academy into ALT degree programmes
- Joint outreach work with schools across Bradford to promote careers in the creative industries
Students will also take part in site visits, live briefs, workshops with industry professionals and gain experience in production environments.
Sarah Towan, Vice Principal at Bradford College, said: “The Producing Academy is about opening doors and creating real opportunities for our students. This partnership takes that ambition to the next level. By working with Production Park and the Academy of Live Technology, we are giving our learners direct access to industry, clear progression routes, and the skills they need to succeed in a highly competitive and exciting sector.”
Lee Brooks, CEO of Production Park, added: “Production Park exists to strengthen and future-proof the creative and live events industry. With this new partnership with the Producing Academy, we’re creating a clear pathway into the Academy of Live Technology, giving young people in Bradford hands-on experience, relevant skills, and direct connections to employers. It’s about opening real routes into skilled careers while investing in talent that will drive the sector’s long-term growth.”
Rachel Nicholson, Head of Institution at the Academy of Live Technology, said: “By linking The Producing Academy with our higher education offer at ALT, we are creating a clear and accessible progression route into degree-level study and beyond. This partnership ensures that learners can see a future in the creative industries and have the support and opportunities to achieve it.”
The organisations said the partnership will also support wider regional and national ambitions to grow the creative economy, tackle skills shortages and improve employment opportunities for young people.
