Are you forward thinking?

This project, one of only three selected nationally, is funded by NESTA (National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts) and helps meet their stated aim to transform the UK’s capacity for innovation and make it flourish. It offers a unique opportunity for those freelancers, SMEs, larger businesses and public sector organisations in the Creative Industry sector to engage with new fresh talent,to help shape not only their, but also your future growth.

In the words of Clive Jones, Chair, Skillset, “We are on the cusp of one of the biggest changes in education in the last 50 years – a change that will alter the way we deliver the curriculum to young people. And with that change comes an exceptional and exciting opportunity for us, as employers and educationalists, to work in partnership to provide young people with a relevant and meaningful context for learning.”

Starting this September 2008 the first Creative and Media Diploma students at Mid-Cheshire College, Rudheath Community High School and The County High School, Leftwich will begin a course of study intended to equip them with knowledge and skills essential to future employment in the creative industries.

Do you have creative sector expertise and a willingness to be involved in a groundbreaking initiative to support the development of tomorrow’s creative and media professionals?

Diplomanet Cheshire is committed to demonstrate and disseminate tangible business gains for all those who take part; to develop best practice and build the business case for future years in other Diploma subjects.

The benefits of being involved will include:

• Direct contribution to the development of a pool of creative talent in Cheshire and your potential future workforce;
• Set Diploma students real projects with direct outcomes to support your business;
• Networking opportunities with other businesses and organisations;
• Continued Professional Development for your existing staff who participate in this project
• Fresh perspectives for your business; Market research – generate intelligence from the youth market to support product or service development;
• Build brand-awareness with future consumers;
• Demonstrate your commitment to Social responsibility;
• PR opportunities including a high profile awards event;

This innovative opportunity invites you to share expertise and knowledge about your industry with students with ambitions in Creative and Media. Your role is to define a real project for them, which will meet a real business need for you.

Guidance and support throughout the process will be available to you and the other businesses who will form this unique Creative Projects Commissioning Network.

To express interest in being involved or for further information, please contact Cathy Breen, Network Coordinator email: crisp@midchesh.ac.uk