Be part of the growing schools network for Discover! Creative Careers 2026

Employers across the UK’s creative industries came together last year in an unprecedented show of collaboration and generosity, supporting over 80,000 young people through Discover! Creative Careers Month. This momentum now paves the way for an even bigger and impactful programme in November 2026, and schools are being encouraged to get involved.

Last year’s success demonstrated what can happen when education and industry come together to unlock opportunities for young people. Now, Discover! Creative Careers is inviting more schools and colleges than ever to take part, helping students explore the full breadth of careers available across the UK’s world‑leading creative sectors.

Why this year is the perfect time for schools to get involved

Industry partners backed Discover! Creative Careers Month with significant in‑kind contributions. Employers, freelancers and sector bodies donated time, expertise, venues, and resources. Through a rich programme of in‑person and online activities, they opened doors for young people across England, Scotland and Wales, many of whom may never have considered creative careers before.

This year, the programme aims to reach even more schools, ensuring students from every background can access real‑world insight into the creative industries.

Industry‑wide impact and even greater opportunities for 2026

The impact of last year’s event shows what’s possible. The sector delivered hundreds of sessions in schools, colleges, workplaces and cultural venues, coordinated by partners such as Into Film, Speakers for Schools, ERIC and Futures for All. In total:

• 81,409 young people took part
• over 1,200 schools engaged
• more than 600 employers delivered activities
• 86 per cent of sessions took place in person

With activity continuing into early 2026, and more employers pledging support, this year’s programme is on track to grow even further. Schools joining the 2026 event can expect an expanded range of workshops, encounters, digital resources and live insight sessions.

A £1.5 million investment in young people’s futures

Industry partners contributed an estimated £1.5 million in in‑kind support, including nearly £480,000 to produce inspiring events and £100,000 of donated advertising space to raise awareness.

Thanks to this investment, students gained behind‑the‑scenes access across film and TV, gaming, architecture, theatre, music, advertising, archives, digital content and more. This is a model that will continue to expand for 2026.

What’s new for 2026?

Discover! Creative Careers Month forms part of a wider programme continuing into 2026, including:

• a growing pilot work experience initiative with Mission Accomplished
• six Sector‑based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs)
• new regional e‑learning modules for Wales, Scotland, and Yorkshire & Humber
• more in‑depth online industry insight events delivered with Futures for All
• activities marking National Careers Week
• a newly launched 2025 highlights film showcasing the programme’s national impact

ScreenSkills, which coordinates the programme, is already encouraging more schools and colleges to take part this year.

Schools can register their interest now and help shape the next generation of creative talent.

What industry partners say

Mary Rose, programme lead for Discover! Creative Careers, said:

“The success of the inaugural Discover! Month has been a joy to witness. We are thrilled that more than80,000 young people across England, Scotland and Wales have been inspired by such a wide range of organisations that are at the cutting edge of our creative industries.  

“Our world-leading creative sector is vital to the UK’s economy and sustaining it depends on developing the next generation of talent. I am grateful to our industry partners, whose work has inspired thousands of young people and helped deliver our most ambitious programme to date.” 

Sarah Gregory, head of equality, diversity and inclusion at Creative UK, said:

“As industry engagement partner for Discover Creative Careers, Creative UK has been deeply impressed by the huge number of ways that our industry has stepped up and stepped in to offer young people (and their carers and educators) an opportunity to be inspired by the many possibilities that a creative career can offer. Our particular thanks to the Out of Home Advertising Industry who supported so generously across the DCMS led campaign.” 

A student participant (immersive VFX workshop, London) said:

“When you come into the office and meet the people, you can actually envision yourself working there.”

Sonny Hanley, director at ITV Academy, said:

“Discover! Creative Careers Month has been the perfect platform for inspiring the next generation. From Coronation Street in Manchester to our London offices, we gave students a tangible look at the production journey from idea to transmission. It is vital we continue to demystify the industry and prove that a career in television is accessible to everyone.” 

With more partners, more resources, and more opportunities available in 2026, now is the perfect time for schools and colleges to sign up and ensure their students don’t miss out.