Future Creators programme continues partnership with TV3 to give young people a taste of digital careers

The Future Creators programme, based at The Digital Hub in Dublin 8, is set to continue its partnership with TV3 Group, offering young people the opportunity to hone their digital media skills in one of Ireland’s leading media environments. This follows a successful 2014-2015 partnership, which saw Future Creators students brought on a tour of 3e studios and receive various talks from production staff onsite.

As part of TV3’s involvement in the programme, 3e will broadcast a short film produced by the Future Creators class of 2015. The film ‘I Wish I Knew’, which highlights the dangers of drug abuse, will be shown on Saturday, 30 January at 9pm.

Established in 2011 by The Digital Hub and delivered in conjunction with National College of Art and Design (NCAD) and H2 Learning, the Future Creators programme aims to equip young people (aged 13 to 16 years old) from Dublin 8 with digital skills, including coding, app development, digital photography, filmmaking, and website development. The programme also works to enhance their exposure to STEM subjects and to build their confidence, so they may consider pursuing a career related to digital skills.

Now in its 5^th year, the Future Creators saw a record number of applicants this year, with 50 local young people applying to the course. 24 successful students currently participate in the course, meeting twice a week at The Digital Hub and at NCAD for three workshops. The first semester gave students a taste of subjects such as sound editing, coding, graphic design, robotics, and social media. From mid-February until May the students will split into two groups, choosing between coding and film projects. The programme also organises Industry Insight workshops and seminars, designed to give the participants an insight into the Irish technology and digital media industry from real people working across the sector.

TV3 will be hosting an Industry Insight seminar in their studios as part of the continued partnership, where students will get an opportunity to tour the premises, learn about the different careers available in TV production, and meet with professionals onsite working in video production and advertising.

TV3 professionals will also be on hand to advise the Future Creators participants working on film projects in their second semester.

Gerry Macken, CEO, The Digital Hub, said of the partnership: “The Digital Hub is once again delighted to work with TV3 Group to provide young people from the local Liberties area with the opportunity to learn more about the world of digital media, and in particular television and ad production. These industry insights are invaluable to young people as they make crucial decisions about their future careers. The aim of Future Creators is to encourage students to pursue a career in digital media or technology, as we know that more and more Irish graduates are needed in order to meet future demand. Partnerships like this are of great benefit to our participants, and we hope to build on this for future programmes.”

Ger Barry, Marketing Manager TV3 Group commented on the partnership, saying: “We are delighted to be once again teaming up with The Future Creators project, in partnership with the Digital Hub. Future Creators gives young people a brilliant introduction to the world of digital media and our aim is to give the students a fully rounded look at how 3e, a young, progressive TV channel, operates across programme production, digital media and marketing. The work and passion the students showed last year was incredible and we are looking forward to getting involved again and are thrilled to give the Future Creators participants a national platform to showcase their creative skills.”

The Future Creators programme will culminate with a showcase of work and an award ceremony in June, which will take place in NCAD.

Further information about Future Creators is available at: www.thedigitalhub.com/futurecreators