New Liverpool scheme will help young people take their first steps into careers in digital media

A brand-new programme is launching in Liverpool this autumn to help young people who aren’t currently in education, employment or training gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to break into the digital media industry.

The Andy Taylor Foundation has launched Foot in the Door Liverpool in partnership with Liverpool Film Office and Liverpool’s Youth Guarantee Trailblazer scheme.

The seven-week programme will support 12 Liverpool residents aged between 18 and 21 by providing paid training and work experience with some of the region’s leading employers across the creative and media sectors.

Participants will receive financial support throughout the programme while developing practical skills, building confidence and making valuable industry connections.

The launch comes as figures from the Office for National Statistics show more than one million people aged 16 to 24 across the UK are now classed as not being in education, employment or training.

A government-commissioned review by Alan Milburn also warned the country risks creating a “lost generation” unless more opportunities are created for young people.

The report found that 84% of young people in this group want to work or train, with many held back by barriers including limited networks, financial pressures and a lack of access to opportunities.

Foot in the Door Liverpool has been designed to tackle those challenges head-on.

The programme begins with three weeks of industry-led training covering confidence, communication, teamwork, workplace behaviour and digital media skills before participants move into four weeks of paid work experience.

Placements will be offered with a range of organisations including Big Egg Films, Hat Trick Productions, LA Productions, Lime Pictures’ L16 Digital, Liverpool Film Office, Liverpool Media Academy, Thrive, UniTemps and more.

Lara Taylor, founder of the Andy Taylor Foundation, said:

“The statistics around youth unemployment and disengagement should be a wake-up call for all of us.

“We meet talented young people every day who have creativity, ambition and potential, but simply haven’t had the opportunities, networks or support needed to get started.

“Foot in the Door Liverpool is about changing that. By combining industry-led training with real workplace experience, we’re helping young people build confidence, develop valuable skills and create meaningful connections that can open doors to future careers.”

Shaun MacDonald, Head of Department of Work & Pensions Strategic Relations Team, described Foot in the Door as “one of the most exciting and unique work experience programmes on our roster”.

The Liverpool programme builds on the Andy Taylor Foundation’s existing Foot in the Door model, which has already helped young people secure jobs with leading media organisations.

One former participant, Grace, joined after struggling to find a way into the industry despite years of teaching herself content creation and editing. During her placement she secured a permanent role with LADbible, where she still works today and has since been promoted.

Grace said:

“Foot in the Door changed my life forever, not only in terms of my career as I’m in a job I dreamt of, but also in my confidence in my own skills and abilities. It also helped me meet friends and contacts that will last a lifetime.”

The Andy Taylor Foundation was inspired by the vision of digital media pioneer Andy Taylor, co-founder of Little Dot Studios. The charity helps young people from underrepresented backgrounds access opportunities in the creative industries through mentoring, bursaries, training, work experience and industry connections.

The Foundation is now inviting employers, industry partners and supporters to get involved with Foot in the Door Liverpool and help create opportunities for the next generation of creative talent.

For more information about the programme or partnership opportunities visit the Andy Taylor Foundation website.

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