Where can my teenager get work experience in the sports industry or film industry?

Careers Week in the UK: Are We Empowering the Future Workforce?
The 3rd to 8th March 2025 marks another exciting Careers Week in the UK, a time dedicated to helping young people explore various career paths and gain valuable insights into the working world. This week is all about providing students with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their futures.
Over the last 10 years, Activate have delivered the National Citizen Service to young people aged 15-17, as well as thousands of hours of sports coaching. Combining our extensive work in youth residential programmes which focussed on social cohesion, social mobility, independent living and future employability and our passion of sports along with our partner Charry Red Records, music expertise, we’ve been able to put together our “Career Learning” programmes.
Activate’s Career Learning residential programmes, offer immersive, week-long courses designed to give young people aged 13-18 years a deep dive into the sports and film industries.
Activate Career Learning: A Gateway to Real-World Experience
Activate’s Career Learning programmes are more than just educational courses; they are transformative experiences that help young people gain practical work experience and a comprehensive understanding of their chosen fields. These residential programmes are held at Oundle School from August 10th to 15th and offer two distinct courses: the Sports Industry Course and the Film Industry Course.
Sports Industry Course
The Sports Industry Course is perfect for those passionate about sports and interested in exploring the various career opportunities within this dynamic field. Over the week, participants will delve into topics such as sport law, sport marketing, coaching, elite sports performance, technology in sport, athlete management, and football journalism. The course includes an off-site visit to Derby University, where students can hear from department heads about the different sports courses available.
Living away from home for a week, students will engage in workshops delivered by guest lecturers and participate in practical learning through work experience tasks. With only 25 places available, each participant is guaranteed a personalised experience and post-course work experience opportunities with Activate’s partners.
Film Industry Course
For those with a creative flair and an interest in the film industry, the Film Industry Course offers an unparalleled opportunity to learn from industry experts. Led by award-winning TV commercial producer Tess Mitchell, director Jonas McQuiggan, and visual effects artist Phil Oldham from Gahba Studios, this intensive course covers everything from making a music video or TV commercial to understanding the intricacies of film production.
Participants will gain hands on experience and industry knowledge through practical tasks and off site visits. A highlight of the course is the visit to Arri Media, where students will explore film equipment and the power of Virtual Reality Production. By the end of the week, students will have created their own music video, showcasing the skills and knowledge they have acquired. Like the Sports Industry Course, this programme also offers post course work experience opportunities with industry partners.
The Benefits of Immersive Learning
Activate’s Career Learning programmes stand out because they offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This immersive approach ensures that students not only learn about their chosen fields but also gain real world insights and skills that will be invaluable in their future careers.
For Students
Choosing a career can be daunting, especially for teenagers who are still exploring their interests and strengths. Activate’s programmes provide a supportive environment where students can learn through lectures, practical workshops, and off site visits. They will gain a deeper understanding of different jobs, the education courses needed, and the skills required to succeed in their chosen fields. Additionally, the work experience and networking opportunities offered by these programmes will enhance their CVs and UCAS applications, giving them a competitive edge.
One of the standout features of Activate’s programmes is the guaranteed work experience for every participant. This ensures that each student leaves the programme with practical experience and a foot in the door of their chosen industry.
For Parents
Parents can rest assured that their children are in safe hands during the week long residential courses. The experience begins on the evening of Sunday, August 10th, at Oundle School, where students will stay in single occupancy and dormitory accommodation with separated male and female areas. A dedicated pastoral care team will be on site to provide support throughout the week. Students will also have access to gym and swimming pool facilities, ensuring a balanced and healthy routine.
The week culminates in an awards ceremony on Friday afternoon, where parents and guardians are invited to celebrate their children’s achievements. This event provides a wonderful opportunity to see firsthand the progress and growth that students have made during the course.
Activate at Independent Schools Careers Fairs
In the lead-up to Careers Week, Activate has been actively engaging with students and parents at various independent schools’ careers fairs. Recently, Jamie Wall and Oliver Uffindall represented Activate at The King’s School, Worcester careers event held in their College Hall. These events are fantastic opportunities for students and parents to learn more about the Activate Career Learning residentials happening this summer at Oundle School. Jamie and the team are always excited to chat about the unique experiences and opportunities these programmes offer.
Additionally, it was a busy morning with Toby Mitchell at Wellington School Independent Schools Careers fair. The team set up and engaged with hundreds of children from across Somerset about the Career Learning residential programmes. We spoke with students from Taunton School, King’s College Taunton, Queen’s College Taunton, Wellington School and Courtfields. The team even bumped into Activate Netball coach Emma Paget, who works at Wellington School and hope sot be coaching on our netball camps this summer at Wellington and Exmouth Community College
Open to International Students
Activate’s Career Learning programmes are not just for local students; they are open to international students as well. This inclusivity ensures a diverse learning environment where students from different backgrounds can share their experiences and perspectives. International students will find the programmes accessible and enriching, with the added benefit of experiencing life in the UK while gaining valuable career insights.
Why take part in Career Learning
Careers Week in the UK is a pivotal time for young people to explore their future career paths, and Activate’s Career Learning residential programmes offer an exceptional opportunity to gain practical experience and industry insights. Whether students are interested in the sports or film industry, these immersive courses provide a comprehensive understanding of the career opportunities available and equip them with the skills needed to succeed. By participating in these programmes, young people can look beyond the classroom and start planning their futures with confidence and clarity.
Find out more, click here visit the Career Learning website
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