A free training and mentoring programme to help creative students and graduates become more employable is being launched in Newcastle-under-Lyme.
The new scheme, run by creative agency, Starbots Creative, launches this month and will offer three individuals per year the opportunity to gain industry experience and guidance.
Starbots Creative provides marketing services including digital marketing, branding, design and content marketing to a range of b2b and b2c clients. The new Starbots Academy will offer ambitious locals the chance to work flexibly across any, or a mix of these creative areas.
Successful applicants will be given scenario-based briefs with detailed feedback, experience in a commercial studio, plus support developing an employability plan. To help them enter the world of work the plan will include portfolio reviews and development, professional skills guidance, results-driven projects for CV-building and mock interview practice.
Kate Cooper, Managing Director at Starbots Creative said:
“Helping aspiring creatives to get real industry experience has always been important to me. Starting the business solo from the ground-up nearly 12 years ago, I know what it’s like to be looking for that first break.
“We’ve been providing guidance to students on an ad hoc basis for some time now, but I’m delighted we’re able to enhance and formalise this support by officially launching the Starbots Academy.”
The scheme will be open to students or recent graduates from any kind of creative background. Working with each trainee, the agency will create a tailored plan that focuses on where their passion lies – whether that’s gaining industry experience and guidance from their Digital Team, Design Team or Content Team.
Local graduate, Charlotte Gartland, recently undertook training and mentoring within the Design Team, over the course of a year. She commented:
“It was really good to have the chance to work in a real studio environment and get feedback from people within the industry, alongside my studies. It was a great opportunity to add in-depth experience from a professional setting to my CV. I found it so helpful as a key talking point in job applications. And all the team wanted to know how I was doing afterwards, which was so supportive and encouraging.
“I was so excited when a vacancy in Starbots’ Design team came up not long after I graduated. I felt confident enough in my portfolio and commercial awareness to apply for it, and was delighted to be appointed.”
Managing Director, Kate Cooper added,
“This isn’t one of those situations whereby we’re giving our own client work to a student to fulfil for us. Instead, we’re creating scenario-based projects that are similar to real briefs, but not actually live. It’s about helping aspiring designers and marketers gain commercial examples for their portfolios and CVs.
“The Starbots Academy is something we’re really committed to because it fits so closely with our values. Education and youth development are areas that we’re really passionate about – not just in terms of supporting young individuals in our local community, but also when it comes to the clients and causes we work with and for.”
Those interested in finding out more and applying for the Starbots Academy should visit www.starbots-creative.co.uk/academy. The first application window opens from 7th February – 4th March.
