North West scheme to inspire young people into media careers launches

‘Inspiring the Future’ is a six-month pilot scheme run by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Education and Employers, an education charity that connects young people with volunteers from the world of work to broaden horizons and inspire future career choices.

The programme will be interactive, practical and engaging, with a strong focus on reaching young people in disadvantaged areas.

It’s an exciting opportunity to highlight the importance of local media, showcase different career paths, and inspire the next generation to explore opportunities in the media sector within their own communities.

The project will bring media professionals into primary and secondary schools as well as colleges, giving pupils the chance to hear first-hand about the wide range of roles available across the industry - and it’s got the full backing of The Messenger and Newsquest Media Group.

Richard Duggan, Editor of The Messenger, is backing the programme (Image: Agency)

Richard Duggan, Regional Editor North West and Editor of The Messenger, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for those of us who work in local media to encourage young people to pursue a career in media.

“In an age of misinformation, we are more important than ever before, and we must do our bit to make sure we engage and inspire youngsters to get involved in a rewarding and vital industry.

“I’m looking forward to volunteering my time to talk to schools about how I got into journalism, why I love it and why children should think about making it their career too.

“I encourage all my colleagues in the industry, from reporting to commercial and everything in between, to get involved.”

If you work in local media in any capacity and want to inspire the next generation, this is an opportunity not to miss.

Guest speakers will inspire students from primary to college (Image: DCMS)

While the project, which is also supported by the National Media Association, is based in the North West, you don’t need to be based here to take part.

By getting involved, you’ll help young people discover different roles, understand the routes into them, and see that people from all backgrounds shape our media. 

You can volunteer as little as one hour and will be connected to schools and supported by colleagues from Inspiring the Future.

And education establishments, from primary to college, are also encouraged to sign up to take part.

For more information about the campaign or to sign up as a volunteer or school, visit www.inspiringthefuture.org/campaigns/inspiring-the-future-of-local-media.