Industry News03-11-26
Factory International launches event talent legacy programme for brands and organisers
Factory International will work with organisations hosting major events and brand experiences at the venue to create event management placements for local talent, alongside opportunities to teach and mentor.Factory International has launched a new Event Management & Operations course at Aviva Studios to address industry skills shortages and open doors for residents from Greater Manchester who lack the experience, connections, and opportunities needed to start their careers.The 12-week course will connect emerging talent with work placements on major commercial events and form Factory International’s new event talent legacy programme. It is the latest programme from Factory Academy, the organisation’s free training initiative, which has supported more than 2,000 people since 2018, with 56% progressing into paid work. Factory Academy is working to improve diversity and inclusivity in the creative industries. It was created to open up accessible career pathways into the creative industries and boost creative skills across the region.The course aims to support 15 Greater Manchester residents per intake, with two to three courses planned each year. Open to those who are unemployed or earning below the Real Living Wage, it combines industry-led training, practical projects, mentoring and networking. Participants will also be individually matched with placements on high-profile events, from major brand activations and award ceremonies to international sporting events.Partners can also contribute in ways that reflect their expertise and resources, including guest teaching, mentoring, industry panels and real-world project briefs. Factory Academy will work with each organisation to shape an opportunity that benefits participants while creating meaningful local impact beyond the event itself.Stephanie Williams, Head of Events at Aviva Studios, said: “Manchester has an incredible pool of creative talent, and we’re seeing more agencies open offices here or relocate to the city. As the sector grows, so will the demand for skilled people.“We want Aviva Studios to help nurture that talent and create a pipeline of people with the skills and experience to build successful careers here. By connecting local people with major events, industry expertise and high-quality placements, we can help Manchester’s creative sector continue to thrive.”Participants will learn to work with international brands, respond to creative briefs and develop skills relevant to the planning and delivery of large-scale events and productions.Gary Briggs, Director of Training and Skills at Factory International, said: “Our industry needs new talent, but securing that first meaningful opportunity can be incredibly difficult without experience or established networks.“Major events bring together an extraordinary concentration of knowledge, creativity and technical expertise. Opening up even a small part of that could help someone take their first step into the industry.“Partners benefit too. Bringing different experiences and perspectives into the room can challenge assumptions and help organisations understand how the communities around them view their brands and events.”Factory Academy is now looking for organisations and industry professionals to provide placements, teaching, project briefs, careers sessions and mentoring.
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