Global Academy Launches Free Media School for 18 Year Olds in Manchester
Global Academy, a unique media school founded by Global, the Media & Entertainment Group, has launched a brand-new alternative to University for young creatives in Manchester who want to pursue a career in the creative industries. The course is based in Global’s North West broadcast centre and is free for school and college leavers aged 18. Applications are open now.
Successful applicants will study two days a week from September - May and they will work towards a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise created by University of the Arts London Awarding Body. The course is meticulously crafted to equip students with vital skills, knowledge, and industry insights for a thriving career in the creative sector. It will help expand their networks, build entrepreneurial skills, and kick-start their career in media.
Global Academy has partnered with industry experts to offer hands on experience and tailored training to prepare young creatives for a prosperous career. The course is backed and supported by Global, Europe’s largest media and entertainment company.
Based in the vibrant XYZ Building in Spinningfields - the centre of Manchester’s creative hub - students will be working from Global’s broadcast centre alongside state-of-the-art radio studios, home of Capital and Heart North West.
Jonathan Jacob, director of specialism at Global Academy said, “It’s fantastic that we’re able to bring our specialist training to the North West to help kick-start the careers of young creatives in the region. Manchester has such a rich creative history so it’s the perfect place to launch the second Global Academy.
“Last week, Creative UK unveiled research revealing that 75% of 18-25 year-olds want to work in creative sectors but more than 42% say it’s too hard to break into. The organisation released a manifesto stating that its number one priority is to grow the workforce of tomorrow by prioritising creative skills and education. We share that same ambition.
“University isn’t for everyone so for any young person wanting to launch a media venture, or have their creativity nurtured, this year 14 Global Academy course in Manchester will be a game-changer. The immersive course will open doors to unparalleled industry experience, it will connect them with world-class brands and leading media companies, and it will ensure essential business skills are mastered and put into practice. I can’t wait to see a brand-new cohort of passionate young people thrive and develop both personally and professionally over the course of the year.”
The Year 14 course launched at Global Academy’s West London campus in 2022 and has seen nearly 100 school leavers set up a creative business or develop industry experience in radio, social media, podcasting, creative design, marketing and events.
Ronnie Koldashi, aged 20, graduated from the programme in 2023 and has since set up his own freelance video production and marketing business. His current clients include Savoys Properties and he oversees their social media and content creation.
Ronnie said, “Global Academy opened doors to a host of opportunities for me and I am glad to have been part of the journey and forever grateful. The Year 14 course gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills to manage other creatives and run my own business.”
