“I love music, being part of it, playing it,” says drummer, recording studio technician and session musician Oli Mason, 23. “That gives me a feeling I don’t get with anything else. Yes, there’s less stability in the creative world – but you love what you’re doing.”
Mason, who graduated from Falmouth University in 2013 with a degree in music, is just one of the estimated 2.62 million people currently working in the UK’s creative industries – a sector that includes everything from fashion design to advertising and computer programming. According to the government, in 2013 the creative industries were worth £76.9bn annually – up from £70bn in 2012.
The creative industries have traditionally been seen as hard to break into, but that’s changing. “They’re so broad, and there’s a lot on the ground happening to make sure people can get these jobs,” says Dawn Ashman, director of creative industries at the Arts Council. “Britain has always invested heavily in arts and culture.”
And you don’t necessarily have to do unpaid internships to get a foot in the door. Campaigns led by Creative and Cultural Skills – the employer-led organisation that aims to encourage creative work opportunities – have improved access to entry-level jobs, placing almost 4,000 young people in apprenticeships since 2008. “We’re very conscious of issues like unpaid internships, which we feel contribute to this feeling that the creative sector isn’t as diverse as it needs to be,” says deputy chief executive Catherine Large.
Some creative areas are even suffering skills shortages, particularly in technology. Phil Smith, chief executive of the computer networking equipment company Cisco UKI, says: “This is a big challenge for businesses, but a great opportunity for young people.”
Cisco started its apprenticeship programme four years ago, recruiting between 15 and 20 school leavers every year. “When looking at a career in technology, young people shouldn’t perceive this as just a job behind a desk, coding,” says Smith. “The emergence of the innovations in areas such as wearable technology are changing what a job in IT means. Whatever your passion – fashion, sport – technology is increasingly going to be a part of it.”
There are also opportunities on graduate schemes. Advertising agency Chi and Partners takes on four or five graduates every year, from about 500 applicants. “That might seem like a frightening statistic, but not when you consider that we’re one of 30 to 40 agencies within that space who are also hiring graduates,” says joint chief executive Nick Howarth. “If you’re committed, there are lots of opportunities. To me, the creative industries feel very eclectic – like a meritocracy. It’s all about talent and proving yourself.”
Adam Rae, 24, studied film production at the University of Gloucester, graduating in 2013. He’s now head of the content production division at marketing agency Manifest London
For me, university was about having three years to practise my craft. It also helped me to learn to collaborate and make something. A film production degree doesn’t mean anything. It’s the experience and the showreel that makes a person.
I got the chance to work for Manifest after winning the top prize in my category at the Kodak Commercial Awards. My role isn’t just to make videos: it’s to build a business. I love working in a creative role. The feeling of accomplishment is amazing.
Samm Appiah, 20, gained her Btec level 3 in fashion and clothing at Croydon college in 2014. She now runs her own clothing brand, Chikaku Untitled, with fellow former student Jayde Yankey, and has an internship with London-based Orhan Tailoring
I did A-levels for a year but I just did it for the sake of doing something. When I dropped out and started at Croydon, it didn’t feel like being in education. It was something I actually looked forward to doing.
We covered everything from the business and marketing side of fashion to learning how to make a pattern for a garment, and taking inspiration from current trends.
I’m currently a sales consultant at TM Lewin, the shirt retailer, and two days a week I do a placement at Orhan Tailoring in Old Street, learning how to do alterations, pattern cutting, and understanding the culture behind tailoring. I’m also currently working on our fashion brand, Chikaku Untitled.
If you feel passionate about something, you should go for it. Going down the creative path really will take you somewhere.
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