A north Staffordshire creative agency has launched a free training programme to help students and graduates become more 'employable.'
Newcastle-under-Lyme-based Starbots Creative is launching the Starbots Academy this month, to give three individuals a year the chance to gain industry experience and guidance.
Starbots Creative provides marketing services including digital marketing, branding, design and content marketing, and its new academy will offer participants the chance to work across any, or a mix, of these areas.
The scheme will be open to students or recent graduates from any kind of creative background.
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."
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Successful applicants to the academy will be given a tailored plan, containing scenario-based briefs, and will gain experience in a commercial studio.
They will also receive support developing an employability plan which will include portfolio reviews and development, professional skills guidance, CV-building and mock interview practice.
Kate 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."
Graduate Charlotte Gartland undertook training and mentoring with Starbot Creative's design team over the course of a year – and has now landed a graphic designer role with the business.
She said: "It was really good to have the chance to work in a real studio environment and get feedback from people within the industry.
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"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.
"I was so excited when a vacancy in Starbots' design team came up not long after I graduated. I felt confident enough to apply for it, and was delighted to be appointed."
The application window for those looking to join the scheme in the spring will run open on February 7 and close on March 4. The application window for the summer scheme will open in June.
Visit the Starbots Creative website for more information.