Education & Training Archives | Bristol Creative Industries

In December, a group of A Level Media students and Creative Arts Media Course students had an exciting opportunity to explore the world of professional media production. They visited BBC’s newest and most advanced studios in Cardiff, where they were introduced to a dynamic environment bursting with cutting-edge technology.

The students toured the BBC newsrooms, gaining insights into the tools and techniques used in modern broadcasting, including augmented reality, virtual reality, green screens, and state-of-the-art cameras. They also explored the radio broadcasting facilities and engaged in conversations with presenters and producers to better understand the complexities of creating live programming.

The visit extended beyond the BBC studios to the National Museum of Cardiff, where the students immersed themselves in the arts, culture, and history of Wales. This enriched their understanding of the cultural context that often influences media production. In the afternoon, they worked collaboratively in groups to tour Cardiff and create engaging vlogs documenting their experiences, combining creativity with technical skills.

This hands-on experience was invaluable for the students, as it offered a glimpse into potential career paths and opportunities in the media industry. By engaging with professionals and experiencing real-world production environments, they developed a deeper understanding of media processes and the progression opportunities available after completing their studies. The visit served as both an educational and inspirational experience, equipping the learners with practical knowledge and sparking enthusiasm for their future in media.

Access Creative College has launched the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts (AVA), which will provide students with an all-encompassing experience of working within the creative industries alongside their studies.

The Bristol college, which also offers courses in music, gaming, esports and computing, is developing its media pathways by enrolling students into the new Academy to develop core work-ready skills while studying content creation, film, video, photography, animation, visual effects or graphic design.

The Academy will be based at Access Creative College’s Bristol Campus in Broadmead, offering learners access to industry-grade photography studios, green screen rooms, performance spaces and production pods alongside collaborative workspaces.

The College is now calling on businesses and organisations in the creative industries to join as collaborators with the Academy. Learners have already begun exploring work with existing organisations including Sons of Graham and Mobile Pie, as well as local music festivals.

Academy members will also collaborate with the wider college community to capture content and bring to life the incredible work that students produce on a day by day basis. Becoming a collaborator enables organisations to help shape the college’s curriculum and training, and the professional development of learners, offering guidance to young talent to help them meet organisational needs.

The launch of the Bristol Academy of Visual Arts follows feedback from the West of England Local Skills Improvement Plan, which demonstrated that despite Bristol’s thriving creative industry, many parents lack the understanding of creative employment opportunities across the region.

Jon Domaille, Head of Bristol Campus commented: “Bristol is famous across the world for its creative industry, with the likes of the BBC, Aardman and Plimsoll Productions calling the city home. As the largest independent training provider in the UK, we recognise the role we play in supporting the next generation of talent to excel in their creative fields.

“We’re extremely excited to launch the Academy. The unique opportunity to work on live briefs will not only develop the students’ core skills of communication, problem solving and organisational skills that are sought after by employers both regionally and nationally but will also show them first-hand what a career in the creative industries can look like.”

In addition to earning their Level 2 and/or Level 3 Diplomas in their chosen subject matter, learners will be tasked with forming their own limited production companies – developing their own brands, and service offerings based on skill sets, such as graphic design, content creation, film, photography and animation.

Throughout the academic year, students will then have the opportunity to pitch for and work on live projects set by local businesses across the city, working together to fulfil the briefs while developing their skills in teamwork, collaboration and client relations.

Alongside the live briefs, students will also have access to some of the brightest creative minds from across the region, as well as access to workshops with industry practitioners, and trips and experiences to consolidate, inspire and build upon their learned experiences.

Domaille continued: “Inspiring students through opportunity is at the heart of Access Creative College’s ethos, and through the Academy we’re delighted to offer our students access to some of the top creatives our region has to offer. We’re always keen to expand our network and encourage any business that would like to support the Academy and help us shape the talent pipelines of tomorrow to get in contact.”

Artificial intelligence has transformed nearly every industry, and the world of creativity is no exception. From photography to music composition, AI tools are revolutionising the way creatives work. By harnessing the power of machine learning and generative algorithms, AI is enabling creatives to push the boundaries of their imagination and produce work that was once thought impossible. In this article, we will explore how AI is empowering creatives, breaking down the barriers to entry, and revolutionising the creative process.

Manon Dave is an AI expert already working in the creative field of music. Along with Will.i.am and in conjunction with BMW, they have produced Soundrive a technology which blends your driving style to the music which is being played inside the car dynamically.

Manon is so talented he was invited to meet the Pope himself to explain how AI worked!

Artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that can help creatives streamline their workflow, generate new ideas, and overcome creative blocks. By leveraging the capabilities of AI, creatives can focus more on the conceptualisation and execution of their work, rather than getting bogged down in mundane tasks. For example, AI-powered image editing software can automatically enhance photos, removing the need for manual adjustments and allowing photographers to focus on capturing the perfect shot.

The integration of AI into creative processes has also opened up new possibilities for collaboration. AI can analyse large datasets and provide insights that humans may overlook, leading to innovative and unexpected outcomes. For instance, AI-powered music composition tools can analyse existing songs and create new compositions in a similar style, inspiring musicians to experiment with different genres and techniques.

Generative AI is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on creating new content, such as images, videos, and music, based on existing data. This technology has revolutionised the creative industry by enabling artists to explore new styles, experiment with different techniques, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. For example, artists can use generative AI to create abstract paintings, surreal landscapes, and otherworldly compositions that challenge the viewer’s perception of reality.

Generative AI has also democratised the creative process, allowing individuals with limited resources or technical expertise to produce high-quality work. By providing access to AI-powered tools and platforms, creatives can experiment with new ideas, collaborate with others, and showcase their talents to a global audience. This has levelled the playing field for emerging artists and empowered them to pursue their passion without being overwhelmed by the complexities of the creative process.

The integration of AI into the creative process has had a profound impact on how artists, designers, and musicians approach their work. AI tools can analyse trends, predict consumer preferences, and recommend strategies for reaching a wider audience, helping creatives make informed decisions about their projects. For example, AI-powered marketing platforms can analyse data from social media, websites, and other channels to identify target demographics, optimize ad campaigns, and measure the effectiveness of promotional efforts.

AI can also assist creatives in generating new ideas, refining their concepts, and exploring different avenues of expression. By analysing patterns in data, AI algorithms can suggest alternative approaches, highlight potential pitfalls, and offer creative solutions to common problems. This collaborative approach to creativity encourages artists to think outside the box, experiment with unconventional techniques, and push the boundaries of their craft.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve and improve, the possibilities for creatives are endless. AI-powered tools and platforms will become more sophisticated, intuitive, and accessible, enabling creatives to explore new mediums, experiment with innovative techniques, and collaborate with others in real-time. The integration of AI into the creative process will not only enhance the quality of work produced but also revolutionise the way we perceive and interact with art.

Iman Oubou is the founder of Vocable.ai a marketing content management platform. She recently demonstrated her very own digital clone to assist within her own business using an ai platform called Delphi.ai. Her digital clone is able to run 1-2-1 demos and answer questions in a very humanlike way.

Wouldn’t a digital twin be really engaging and useful to answer all questions 24 x7, never go sick or have “off” days? Wouldn’t she become your girl Friday?

In the future, AI may even inspire new forms of creativity that we have yet to imagine. By combining the analytical capabilities of AI with the emotional intelligence of humans, creatives can create truly unique and groundbreaking work that resonates with audiences on a deep and personal level. The future of AI for creatives is bright, promising, and full of endless possibilities for innovation and self-expression.

Join The Torbay Creatives Cluster to find out how AI help you on 29^th January at the Hi Tech Centre, Paignton from 5-7pm. More details and register here.

Proud to share the incredible work of our amazingly talented Graphics students (Level 3 & HND) from the Digital and Creative department at City of Bristol College 🎨✨

Working on a brief set by Halo Studio , they designed a limited-edition can for Batiste Dry Shampoo, inspired by 2025 design trends. The results? Absolutely stunning – showcasing creativity, technical skills, and future-ready design thinking. Well done to the creative team who supported this.🌻

If you’re in Year 11, have a creative passion and you’re thinking about what comes after your GCSEs, come and see us at our Open Day on 25th January.

At Access Creative College (ACC) Bristol of Broadmead, we offer courses in music, media, games, esports, and computing. Our industry expert tutors teach from a bespoke, creatively designed campus tailored to maximise your learning experience so you leave us set for success.

Our campus is fully kitted out with all the tech you need to kickstart your career, including the below, plus much more!

When you study at ACC, you join both a local and national collaborative community of passionate, like-minded creatives with a shared goal – to build a successful career and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Over the last 30 years, some of the creative industry’s biggest names have passed through our doors and gone on to shine in their respective fields including Ed Sheeran, Rita Ora, Jess Glynne and more. Will you be next?

Throughout the year, we run two different types of events – Taster Days and Open Days. Our next event in Bristol is an Open Day, giving you the chance to experience first-hand what it’s like to study with us.

On the day, you’ll get the chance to tour the campus, try out our tech, learn more about us and our courses, meet staff and student ambassadors and get a chance to ask any questions you may have.

Nine Tree Studios, Bristol’s biggest independent studio, has launched a WhatsApp Community to give back to local filmmakers, photographers, creatives, and production companies.

Primarily it’s a free loyalty programme offering studio discounts and freebies, including:

There’s also groups for advice and jobs, and private channels for production companies and studios to collaborate and share advice.

“We’ve always wanted our space to be able to support Bristol’s creative community” said Russell Jones, Co-Founder of Nine Tree Studios.

“Nowadays email newsletters feel old and clunky and aren’t really suited to what we wanted, like offering free studio hire to those who need it, and promoting and discussing events.”

“By virtue of having members we also hope it’ll be a space for freelancers, screen professionals, studios and production companies to share advice, post jobs, collaborate, and generally chit-chat.”

Suitable for set builds, commercial productions, photography and HETV, the space features two main studios – a 4,640sq ft soundstage and a 567sq ft infinity cove – plus a podcast suite, green rooms, production offices and a 9,000sq ft backlot.

Not just a niche discipline but now a creative business necessity. A UX degree equips professionals with the tools to not only craft intuitive, user-centred designs but also encourage innovation and strategic growth within your teams and business. Investing UX expertise can be a game-changer:

Kick start 2025 by onboarding your budding UX staff with the opportunity to achieve a degree alongside work, whilst you train and retain valued members of staff and fill the skills gaps that are holding back their businesses.

Fund this through your apprenticeship levy or enquire about accessing fully funded apprenticeship training through our partners.

One of the big benefits of Bristol Creative Industries membership is the ability to self-publish content on our website. We’ve seen lots of great content published in 2024 including some brilliant business advice.

Here are the 30 most popular advice posts of the year. The list includes some posts from 2022 and 2023 that have continued to attract views thanks to their great tips.

—-

1. Current landscape for freelancers

2. Mastering the art of pop-up experiences: A guide for experiential designers

3. Six brand strategy models for focus and structure

4. How does Google’s Search Generative Experience (SGE) work?

5. How to measure SEO success: 7 key metrics

6. Transferable skills in the creative sector

7. The top transferable skills in TV production

8. Here are 7 steps to PR yourself

9. Podcast vs broadcast: Spot the difference

10. PR touchpoints: what are they and why are they important?

11. Exploring experiential design trends shaping 2024

12. Shopify for SEO: Top 10 benefits and three mistakes to avoid

13. What is greywashing and why is it important?

14. The challenges of crafting a brand story and how to overcome them

15. Leveraging machine learning algorithms in a cookieless future

16. How organisations can build higher levels of trust

17. Apprenticeships? It’s time to bust some myths

18. 5 ways AI can enhance creativity and engagement in experiential design

19. Apprenticeship: Finding your next star

20. A creative freelancer’s guide to a mid-year review

21. Why TikTok has to be part of your content strategy

22. Greenwashing: Walking the line between authenticity and deception

23. SEO for beginners: Unravelling the mysteries of SEO for up-and-coming businesses

24. A comprehensive guide to outbound links for SEO

25. How to position yourself as an expert in your field

26. DEI – a quick-sprint guide to inclusive brand language

27. Spring cleaning 101: how to organise your email inbox

28. How to write copy in the right tone of voice for your brand

29. To B or not to B? Our journey to B Corp certification

30. The ultimate guide to TV advertising costs

City of Bristol College has been accredited with the matrix Standard, a recognised quality benchmark. This achievement highlights the college’s success in delivering high-quality information, advice and guidance (IAG) services, further enhancing its reputation as a leader in education and student support.

Achieving the matrix Standard accreditation confirms that City of Bristol College has successfully demonstrated its ability to provide high-quality IAG services to its students and stakeholders.

Roger Chapman, Head of the matrix Service for The Growth Company, applauded the college’s accomplishment, saying: “This is a fantastic achievement for City of Bristol College and I would like to congratulate the team on their success. We believe that at the heart of high-quality advice and support services are strong leadership, excellent service and a focus on continuous improvement, all underpinned by effective use of resources.

“The matrix Standard is designed to benchmark organisations against best practices in these areas. With this accreditation, City of Bristol College demonstrates its commitment to delivering outstanding guidance and support to its students and clients, ensuring they have the tools to succeed both academically and personally.”

Head of Student Experience, Jenna Cains, expressed pride in the accomplishment: “We are incredibly proud to have achieved Matrix accreditation, a testament to our unwavering commitment to supporting the personal development and careers-related learning of our students. This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication of our outstanding student experience team and student support services, whose tireless efforts in preparing for the Matrix assessment have truly set us apart.

“Achieving Matrix accreditation is a huge milestone for us and a reflection of the exceptional work of our team. Their dedication to enriching students’ personal and professional growth has been fundamental in meeting the rigorous standards of the assessment. This recognition underscores the importance we place on delivering high-quality career support and personal development, ensuring every student is empowered for success.”

By meeting the matrix Standard’s rigorous criteria, the college demonstrates its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of students and the community while maintaining a focus on excellence.

Launched with a successful pilot in 2023, the Bristol Creative Industries programme, in partnership with Babbasa, is aimed at young people aged 18-30 from under-represented backgrounds who want to gain more insight and real experience in the creative industries.

The structure of the internship programme means that our interns spend Monday to Thursday working within the agencies and come together as a cohort on a Friday for a skills and training day.

The Friday sessions allow them to reflect on their internship experiences and pick up a range of other skills such as CV writing, building brilliant LinkedIn profiles, networking, how to navigate the workplace, and developing healthy work habits.

Other sessions were focused on technical skills and included managing a creative brief, digital accessibility, data analytics and SEO. As part of the programme, the group also attended the Building Brands Conference and worked on social media for Bristol International Balloon Fiesta.

Alongside the practical skills sessions, this year’s cohort was tasked with working on a live brief to develop a suite of material that could be used to educate, inform and inspire other young people considering a career in the creative industries.

Often, opportunities in the creative sector pass young people by, simply because they don’t know enough about the sector and the wealth of opportunities available. Across the region, we know that BCI members are worried about the potential long term skills shortages and a lack of diversity within the sector. To address this we need to get the creative industries in the minds of young people much earlier so that they view the creative industries as a viable and fulfilling career choice.

The live brief allowed the interns to work as a team, showcase and develop their skills and specialisms, and produce work they could include in their portfolios going forward. It’s also a lasting legacy that we can build on to support our outreach activities with local schools, colleges and universities.

Project objective

The group began by discussing the brief and fleshing out the nuances and areas they wanted to focus on. Getting into the creative industry for a young person, particularly from an under-represented group, can be challenging, so we were keen to use this opportunity to create some assets and resources that would help young people better understand the different roles and departments with a creative agency.

The group split into groups (based on their individual strengths) to develop the strategy and research, production elements (filming and interviews), and design the digital assets.

The team:

Developing the brief

As part of the initial research, the strategy team looked at the importance of diversity in the creative industries. Based on their own experiences and some further research, they explored some of the reasons why young people can find it hard to get into the industry.

They also undertook some research into some of the potential barriers to entry for young people whilst also exploring why diversity is so important in creative teams.

In order to address some of these issues to demystify what it means to work in a creative agency, the interns looked at the different team structures, job roles and types of projects, campaigns and products that are produced.

From their own experiences and their research, the team felt representation was key in promoting these job roles to the next generation of talent. They selected six people from the BCI membership, all from diverse backgrounds, to share their insights, pathways, and top tips for working in a digital agency.

The film crew sourced equipment, put together a production schedule and interview questions, and spent two days visiting our guest interviewees in their place of work gathering content. It was an intense shoot but everyone worked as a team and played to their strengths. They captured six interviews which then needed to be edited and shaped into bitesize content.

Meanwhile, the design team made the digital assets that the content would feed into, creating infographics, and social media post templates. They used the BCI branding as a guide but wanted to bring in elements to make sure the designs appealed to a young audience and were both inclusive and representative.

Examples of the interns’ designs

Once the interviews were complete, the team spent time pulling out the key quotes and messaging that could then be used for some social media posts which included top tips for working in the industry, pathways to creative careers, potential barriers to work, and the importance of diversity in the sector.

As part of their workflow, the group presented their research and designs back to the BCI team for feedback and suggestions. We are so impressed with their work and are keen to use it to create a resource pack we can send out to education providers and youth groups to help spread the word about creative jobs.

The interns will soon complete their Bristol Creative Industries internship placements and are looking for their next opportunity. If you have a role that you think may be suitable for one of this year’s interns, please get in touch with [email protected] asap before they get snapped up!

Useful creative industries career resources for young people

Here are some useful resources to help young people find opportunities in the creative industries, including internships and junior level roles: