A partnership between theWorkers’ EducationalAssociation and the 

Are you are considering setting up your own business in the Creative Industries? Or looking to make a little extra income with your creative skills? Well this project is for you.

This short, accessible programme will enable learners to develop a full business plan and a portfolio, including IT presentations and promotional material of their craft/ skills. Participants will also receive guidance from a mentor who will prompt and guide them on issues relating to their business. And all within a creative learning environment. This project has been developed by the WEA in response to specific needs identified in the Creative Industries and follows on from other highly successful schemes which have taken place over the last couple of years.

 

Who’s it for?

Anyone who holds qualifications in their particular skills area at Level 2 or above (i.e. if you have achieved higher than a GCSE Grade D or a CCEA Creative Crafts Level 2 and graduates are also welcome) and want to explore income generation or self-employment in the Creative Industries.Applicants will be invited to attend a short interview in early September 2010 before beginning the programme.

 

Where will the training take place?

What will I be doing?

Learners must complete both courses – one course is aqualification from CCEA Council for the Curriculum Examinations and the other is accredited with the Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI).

 

Irresistible Business Level 2:

This is the ideal entry point for those wishing to getinvolved in business start-up and will allow you to explore the implications of self-employment and starting/ running your own business.

 

Professional Practice in The Creative Industries Level 1:

There are different ways of accessing self-employment opportunities in the Creative Industries and this course will look at a range of approaches which could be used. It will also help you develop your professional profile which could result in gaining work in the Creative Industries.

 

You will also consider if being in business is the right thing to do and how you might have to develop your skills and life style accordingly. All the learning is offered FREE thanks to the support of the Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

 

Taster Sessions

Two Taster Sessions will take place in support of these courses. Please watch the WEA and Strule Arts Centre websites for further details for these sessions as anyone with an interest in this area will be welcome to come along. These will be led by NI based role models already working in the industry at a local or international level.

wea-ni.com

www.ulster.ac.uk

 

Here is what other people said of the last Creativity Thirst 
Elaine Hill, a Photographer who participated on last year’s pilot project said:

"Prior to starting the course my work revolved around PR shots, weekly gigs and the occasional wedding. I was lacking focus. Creativity Thirst has given me this focus and has helped me think outside the box and now my weddings have doubled. My understanding of self promotion and finance has increased; as has my confidence. I would recommend this programme to anyone who wants to make the most of their career."

"The University of Ulster fully supports this project, it offers the perfect helping hand for those who want to make a start with their proposed business within the creative industries. The programme will help participants to develop a full business plan, a portfolio, and promotional material through the use of specialised mentors relevant to their business idea. The University of Ulster is the major provider within higher education in subjects relating to the creative industries and welcomes the opportunity to work with WEA on this initiative. This project offers a fantastic opportunity for individuals to broaden their knowledge of the business world, develop business ideas and make their own contribution to the development of this exciting sector."

For further details please contact Carole Kane on or email:
Carole Kane,Workers’ Educational Association, 3, Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast,