Young People and Creative Careers: Breaking Barriers

University courses Art & Design, Performing Arts, Music, Media & Film
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Are you among the countless young adults who dream of a career in the vibrant and dynamic world of creativity? The desire to explore creative professions is undoubtedly soaring, yet a recent study conducted by Ravensbourne University London uncovers a startling truth: many aspiring individuals aged 18 to 25 feel adrift when it comes to charting a course into the creative industries.

Commissioned by Ravensbourne University, renowned for its specialisation in the creative and digital sectors, this insightful research delves into the aspirations, concerns, and perceptions of young adults regarding creative careers. The findings shed light on a significant gap between the eagerness of youth to enter the creative workforce and the perceived barriers standing in their way.

Surveying 1000 young adults in the critical age bracket of 18 to 25, against the backdrop of A-Level result week in the UK, the study reveals a resounding enthusiasm for creative sector jobs. However, it also unveils a lack of clarity surrounding crucial aspects such as salary prospects, career pathways, and the diverse array of opportunities within the creative landscape.

As we examine the findings, it becomes evident that while 43% of respondents express keen interest in working within the creative industries, less than a quarter received guidance from educational institutions regarding creative career paths. This disparity between aspiration and guidance underscores a pressing need to bridge the informational gap and equip young talent with the knowledge and resources necessary to pursue their creative ambitions.

Andy Cook, vice chancellor at Ravensbourne University London, emphasises the urgency of nurturing creative talent in alignment with the government’s vision for the creative sector. With the creative industries contributing significantly to the economy and offering a multitude of rewarding opportunities, it’s imperative to dispel misconceptions and empower aspiring creatives to navigate the landscape with confidence.

:white_small_square: How can we better support young adults in pursuing creative careers despite the perceived barriers they face?

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It’s surprising to see the gap between enthusiasm for creative careers and the lack of guidance :frowning:

i think we can better support young adults in pursuing creative careers by fostering mentorship programs, offering practical insights into diverse creative pathways, and establishing connections between educational institutions and industry professionals. what do you think?

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I think we should strive to raise awareness about various career paths available to creative students. Everyone knows about what kind of doctor you could be, or what kind of a teacher you could become, but creative pathways? Not so much.

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Absolutely! Mentorship programs, practical insights into diverse creative pathways, and connections with industry professionals are vital for supporting young adults in pursuing creative careers effectively. I think it’s a great idea

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You’re absolutely right. Raising awareness about the diverse career paths available to creative students is essential. While traditional career paths are well-known, creative opportunities often remain underrepresented. By highlighting these pathways, we can inspire and empower students to explore their creative passions and pursue fulfilling careers in fields they may not have previously considered.

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Fully agree!

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Thanks for sharing! This is particularly helpful as nowadays I find many secondary schools are only interested in STEM subjects (at least mine was) and artistic subjects get neglected :frowning:

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