The Academy of Live Technology, Bradford College and Production Park launch landmark partnership to tackle creative skills gap

The Academy of Live Technology (ALT) and Production Park have ‘entered into a new partnership with Bradford College  to create industry-leading training, education and employment pathways into the UK's fast-growing creative and live events sectors.

The three organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a collaborative programme of skills, training and progression opportunities, with a strong focus on supporting young people aged 16–24. 

The partnership creates a seamless pipeline from further education into higher education and employment by bringing together Bradford College's strength in further education, Production Park's world-class live events campus and global industry network, and ALT's specialist higher education provision. 

Through the partnership, the Academy of Live Technology, Production Park and Bradford College will work together to deliver industry-led training and skills development that prepares young people for careers in creative production, live events and the wider creative industries. Learners will benefit from direct access to industry environments, employer-led experiences and clear progression routes into higher education and employment. 

Key initiatives include: 

• Short, intensive training programmes to support unemployed young adults aged 18–24 into creative and live events careers 
• Industry-led workshops and practical learning experiences at Production Park 
• Curriculum co-design aligned to industry skills shortages 
• Clear progression pathways into Academy of Live Technology degree programmes 
• Joint outreach to schools across Bradford to raise awareness of careers in the creative industries 

Participants will benefit from hands-on experiences, including site visits, live briefs, workshops with industry professionals, and exposure to cutting-edge production environments. 

Rachel Nicholson, Head of Institution at the Academy of Live Technology, said: 

 "This partnership creates new opportunities for young people to develop industry-relevant skills and progress into higher education and rewarding careers in the creative industries. By working with Bradford College, we're creating accessible pathways that connect education directly with industry." 

Lee Brooks, CEO of Production Park, said: 

"Production Park brings education and industry closer together. This partnership allows us to support young people in Bradford to experience the industry first-hand, build relevant skills, and connect directly with employers. It's about creating real pathways into meaningful careers." 

Sarah Towan, Vice Principal at Bradford College, said: 

"This partnership is about opening doors and creating real opportunities for young people. By working with Production Park and the Academy of Live Technology, we're providing learners with direct access to industry, clear progression routes, and the skills they need to succeed in a highly competitive and exciting sector." 

The partnership also supports wider regional and national priorities to grow the creative economy, address skills shortages, and improve employment outcomes for young people. By strengthening connections between education and industry, the collaboration will help ensure the next generation of creative professionals is equipped with the skills, experience and opportunities needed to thrive.