Channel 4 launches industry talent search to address skills gaps

10 April 2015

C4 Pop Up latest initiative from Channel 4’s 360° Diversity Charter

Channel 4 today announces C4 Pop Up – 4Talent’s brand new national talent search aimed at attracting diverse groups of young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds across the UK to a career in media. The programme aims to tackle the increasing skills gaps within the creative industries, and the growth in ‘bedroom creatives’.

4Talent, Channel 4’s acclaimed industry talent scheme, is building on its award-winning 4Talent Days which have so far connected with 3000 young people since they launched four years ago. 92% of attendees said the days helped to focus their career progression.

C4 Pop Up will reach even deeper into communities this year to find 16-24 year olds who would not otherwise find their way to a career in the media. To achieve this 4Talent has partnered with specialist agency MyKindaCrowd to work with local creative companies, public services, social support partners and charity organisations to proactively seek groups of diverse young talent – from those who aren’t sure whether a media career could be for them, to those with creative talents but no identifiable route into the industry.

This new programme launches in Bournemouth on Saturday 9th May and aims to provide sustainable career opportunities and career progression for young people from the surrounding areas. Further events will be held this year in Norwich, London, Wolverhampton and Preston. The days will provide networking opportunities with local creative industries and skills workshops designed to improve attendees’ employability in TV and film - all leading towards industry work experience opportunities.

Details of an annual industry related challenge will ‘Pop Up’ at each event encouraging young people to compete to win a host of life changing industry prizes including access to courses and technical equipment. The challenges will enable competitors to work closely with TV commissioners and production companies to produce a tangible project e.g. a documentary or a game, in order to showcase their talents. Winners will be revealed at an end of year finale event at C4 HQ.

Challenges will become increasingly complex each year encouraging ongoing engagement and the formation of a Pop Up alumni that will connect diverse entry talent to the industry whilst providing virtual networking opportunities for young people across the UK.

C4 Pop Up is a key element of Channel 4’s recently announced 360° Diversity Charter to help drive grassroots social mobility. 4Talent is aiming to open the eyes of over 1000 socially disadvantaged people per year through programmes such as C4 Pop Up.

4Talent’s approach reflects Channel 4’s mission to break down barriers and engage and develop the widest range of talent. By demystifying the media sector, 4Talent aims to help young people from all backgrounds navigate their way into a hugely competitive industry.

Kathy Poole, Head of People Services, Channel 4 said: “Channel 4’s 360 Diversity Charter represents our biggest ever commitment to diversity at every level – C4 Pop Up is for anyone wanting to get into the industry and is a key part of delivering the spirit of the Charter. We will reach deeper than ever into communities to find undiscovered creative talent to future proof the industry, keeping it current and cutting edge – and at the same time encourage young people that a career in the media is possible for anyone.“

William Akerman, Founder and MD of MyKindaCrowd, said: “I am excited that we’ve partnered with Channel to deliver C4 Pop Up – part of the broadcaster’s 360 Diversity Charter. Not only will the young people taking part get the chance to see that the media industry could be for them, they’ll benefit from the events taking place in and around their home towns. This kind of activity is crucial in making young people aware of the different career options available to them.”

Ends.

Notes to Editors

For more information on 4Talent and its initiatives visit http://4talent.channel4.com/about-us

About MyKindaCrowd

MyKindaCrowd and Bright Futures work with over 4,500 schools and have societies in over 50 University campuses. Trusted by students and educators alike, with over 32 years’ experience working with young people and their influencers.

MyKindaCrowd and Bright Futures help employers reach the next generation of talent from school leavers to graduates, and recruits them on to work experience, internship, apprenticeship and graduate programmes. They use a mix of face-to-face workshops, online challenges and rich video content.

They provide employers with a unique platform of career focused undergraduate talent, across all year groups and degree disciplines, to tap into for their recruitment.They work with leading companies such as Nestlé, Llyods Banking Group, Channel 4, PwC, Tesco, HSBC and Allen & Overy. As well as entrepreneurs and government organisations.