Bristol Creative Industries and Babbasa set up internship programme

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Sam Pither

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A city wide internship programme is being set up in Bristol by the city’s creative business membership network Bristol Creative Industries and social enterprise Babbasa.

Under the scheme, some of the city’s best known creative businesss will offer six-month full time paid placements in roles including advertising, marketing, design, animation and digital.

The aim of the programme is to support young people aged between 18 and 24 from the city, who identify as ethnic minority and/or from a low-income background, gain insight and experience in the creative industry.

It has been launched following a BCI report last year which found that increasing diversity and inclusion was a significant priority for six in 10 (59 per cent) creative firms in the city. With nearly half (48 per cent) saying they want more help finding diverse talent from underrepresented groups.

The recruitment process will be led by Babbasa, which helps diverse young people to achieve their aspirations.

Chris Thurling, Chair of Bristol Creative Industries said: “We are delighted to formally announce this internship programme in partnership with Babbasa. The creative industry in Bristol is one of the best in the country, and we want to help open this up to as many young people in the city as we can.

“Our aim with this programme is to work closely with the fantastic team at Babbasa to connect bright young talent with some of the city’s best- and well-established businesses.”

Applications close on 28 March, with interviews scheduled for the fourth and fifth of April at Watershed Bristol, before the programme starts on 15 May. Applicants will work for six months, in which time they will undergo placements at two different agencies of three months each.

The programme provides a mix of professional skills training, creative skills training, inspirational talks, networking events, mentoring and opportunities for future employment.

The businesses participating in the programme are:

Aardman Animations
Aer Studios
Armadillo
Atomic Smash
Diva
Halo
McCann Bristol
Mr B & Friends
Newicon
Noble Digital Performance
Oakwood Media Group
Six
saintnicks
ThirtyThree
TMW Unlimited

Poku Pipim Osei, CEO & Founder of Babbasa, said: “Last year, we consulted with a range of city partners and underrepresented communities to better understand how Bristol can close the inequality gap for the next generation, in a report called the OurCity2030: Socioeconomic Analysis Report.

“What was striking is that over 38% of the young people surveyed had aspirations to pursue a career in the creative industries. This is why we are excited to be part of this partnership, as a demonstration of our commitment to work collaboratively and unlock doors for those who would not have otherwise had the chance.”

To apply, applicants already registered with Babbasa can send a short (approx 1 minute long) video, audio recording, or written piece to Recruitment Lead, Mikhaila, at briscoord@byep.org.uk.

For those who aren’t, interested applicants can sign up here.

Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset. A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise. Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.