UTC@MediaCityUK and Barclays Eagle Lab launch Create Build Code

Students from the UTC@MediaCityUK aged 15 and 16, have joined forces with some of MediaCityUK’s leading occupiers, BBC, The Landing and Barclays. The aim is to help produce marketing materials for a coding event and give the students hands-on experience in a real working environment.

Claire Barker, Head of Creative UTC@MediaCityUK said: “It’s vital the students feel the work they do at college is relevant and has a context in the real world beyond the UTC. Not all students are motivated just by the by the idea of getting a good grade. Live briefs tend to bring out the best in all students, giving them a sense of purpose, working for a real client in creative media industries.”

UTC@MediaCityUK is also incorporating “live briefs” from brands like Barclays and work experience from organisations like The Landing, MediaCityUK and the BBC into its curriculum.

Paul Wilshaw, Digital and Innovation Lead, Barclays Eagle Lab said: “It’s hard to achieve that ideal job. If we can help by offering experience of working with us as their clients, we will. We want to help and encourage students to do the best they can. Hopefully they’ll learn something amazing from us. You never know, they may become an apprentice, graduate or employee with us one day soon.”

James Moores is one of the current Year 11 TV and Film Students working on the brief for Barclays.

He said: “I like having projects set by employers as this gives us a real insight into what the media and digital industry is really like. Working with employer partners and companies like Barclays gives you real time projects to complete. I feel this is a unique strength of UTC@MediaCityUK.”

Create • Build • Code : MediaCityUK will be taking place at The BBC Blue Room, MediaCityUK on Friday 8^th December.