Creative Access, the UK’s leading inclusivity organisation in the creative industries, is proud to announce the launch of a brand new 12-month pilot employability programme supported by BBC Children in Need We Move FWD Academy. This new pilot employability programme will support young Black people aged 16–21 to build confidence, develop skills, grow their networks and access meaningful paid opportunities.
We Move FWD Academy is delivered through three specialist partners: Creative Access, Jamal Edwards Self Belief Trust and 2–3 Degrees, each bringing trusted expertise in youth development, creative industries, employability and employer engagement. Creative Access will lead on opening up pathways into the creative industries across the UK specifically, delivering career support, networking and paid opportunities.
Participants will take part in a six-stage journey, from workshops and employer insight sessions to networking and career development, alongside support to access paid pathways including work experience placements. The programme will roll out across four regional waves, beginning with London and the South East from October 2026, followed by the North and Midlands, Wales and South West, and Scotland until September 2027.
Stef Hall, director of talent and outreach at Creative Access, said:
“We’re delighted to be partnering with BBC Children in Need’s We Move FWD Academy on this important work. It builds on our long-standing track record of widening access to the creative industries, supporting young Black talent to uncover the confidence, skills and paid pathways to build real careers across the UK.”
Alex Holmes OBE, director at BBC Children in Need, said:
“We Move FWD Academy is about recognising that young Black people are already talented, ambitious and creative, but too often access, networks and opportunity are not equally available. Through this partnership with Creative Access, we want to help young people build confidence, develop skills, grow their networks and access meaningful paid pathways into the creative industries. This pilot is an important next step in our We Move FWD commitment: backing Black talent, challenging barriers, and learning what works so we can create even more opportunities in the future.”
The Academy will also work with employers and corporate partners who can play a key role through hosting an induction day or offering a minimum 10-day paid work experience placement. Interested in getting involved? Contact the Creative Access team to find out more.
