Channel 4 undertakes talent search with 4Talent

4Talent, Channel 4’s nationwide scheme aimed at supporting people aiming for a future in the media industry, is off in search of a new generation of creatives as the broadcaster offers employment advice and inspiration, work experience placements, apprenticeships and master classes.
The network is to hold six 4Talent Days in areas of high youth unemployment, around the UK. Derry-Londonderry, in Northern Ireland, will play host to the first open day on May 30th 2012 and future locations will include Barnsley, Cardiff, Penzance, Dundee and London.

“At Channel 4 we know that good ideas can come from anywhere. The creative industries have huge potential to provide growth and employment, and we want to make sure that nobody is excluded from that and this is why we are taking our 4Talent Days to more unexpected places around the UK. This year in Derry-Londonderry, Dundee, Barnsley, Cardiff and Penzance we are looking for new talent with fresh perspectives.

“We want to connect this talent to Channel 4, but also to the local creative industries on their doorstep, who will be joining us for these inspiring days.” Says Diane Herbert, Channel 4’s Director of Human Resources.
The broadcaster works closely with the local creative industry in each city to offer young people aged 16 to 25, who are keen to learn about working in the world of media, the opportunity to network with the outlets and in many cases find work placements.
Local industry experts working in film, TV and digital will present at each day and a Channel 4 employee from each area will share their employment journey. Attendees will also take part in hands-on workshops with professionals, for example digital filmmaking, presenting for TV, getting into journalism or writing for comedy. Local stake holders will be present to show their support.
Attending the 4Talent days automatically qualifies young people to apply for the Channel 4 Work Experience scheme, of which 42% of participants find further experience or employment in the competitive industry as a result. Critics however may suggest that television should be looking for older, more experienced older talent and not just be youth-orientated.
[Written by Don Westbury]