Four of Stoke-on-Trent’s leading createch companies have joined the growing list of businesses signing the city’s Future Ready Pledge, offering a wealth of opportunities to help young people get a vital foot on the career ladder.
i-creation, Carse & Waterman, Inspired Film and Video, and The Challenger Academy have backed the Future Ready Pledge, launched by a citywide partnership including YMCA North Staffordshire, Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, and Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
It calls on employers to offer jobs, work experience and training to unlock local talent and drive inclusive growth.
As part of their commitment, the createch cluster businesses are providing a range of experiences — from work shadowing and taster days to paid summer roles and project placements.
The showpiece is “the best summer job ever,” offered by ad agencies Lesniak Swann and The Challenger Academy (set up by sector leader VCCP) and creative agency i-creation.
They are providing more than 20 paid roles in creative production, animation, and digital marketing, where interns gain hands-on experience, amazing visits and intensive skills focus.
Danny Flynn, Chief Executive of YMCA North Staffordshire said: “These businesses are showing how creative industries can lead the way in investing in young people’s futures while growing the skills base our city needs.”
Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Jane Ashworth added: “It’s brilliant to see our innovative digital and creative firms stepping up. This pledge isn’t just about opportunity — it’s about building the workforce of tomorrow.”
To find out more or sign up to the pledge, visit: staffordshirechambers.co.uk/the-future-ready-pledge.
- To read the Daily Focus story about the launch of the Future Ready Pledge, click here.
