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A huge free careers festival geared towards young creatives is coming to Manchester this week

It’s from the Catch22 TikTok Creative Academy and Factory International.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 1st April 2025
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The Catch22 TikTok Creative Academy and Factory International are hosting a careers festival in Manchester this week, designed to empower young creatives. 

The huge free event on Thursday 3 April will take over Aviva Studios, offering everything from speed mentoring to CV clinics to expert talks. 

Attendees will be able to have a free headshot taken, meet employers and like-minded creatives, and generally get a feel for how to build a career in the creative industry.

The Career Festival will boost Manchester’s creative future by supporting the next generation of creators, investing in their skills and confidence. 

It’s all geared towards young people aged between 16 and 24 who face challenges in finding sustainable careers within the creative industries.

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On the day, attendees will be able to receive one-on-one career advice from top industry professionals in speed mentoring sessions, learning from experts in marketing, media, production and more. 

They’ll also be able to network with organisations, training providers and employers including Crew gal, Walk the Plank, and Gate Films.

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Expert talks will give advice on how to break into the industry, while a CV clinic will help to hone CVs into a stand-out that’ll get a foot straight in the door, along with free headshot portraits. 

And the whole time attendees will be surrounded by other creatives, building a network that could launch them towards their next big opportunity. 

The TikTok Creative Academy, delivered by Catch22 and funded by TikTok, is a free employment program designed to provide vital support to young people aged 16-24 seeking to enter the creative industries.

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It’s been specifically targeted towards young people who experience barriers to employment, whether that’s because of challenges like mental health and limited educational attainment, or involvement with the criminal justice system.

The programme itself has a free employment course, offers targeted supports, and opens the door to the industry, fostering networking and career development. 

It also offers practical skills development and emphasises creative abilities to help young people thrive. 

Quote from TikTok Creative Academy Senior Service Manager, Hilda Dotsey: “At Catch22, we are acutely aware of the challenges that young creatives face when it comes to finding sustainable employment in the creative industries and we are about to mark the 1000th person supported into work, training or further education through TikTok Creative Academy. 

“With lack of industry insight and experience cited as one of the key barriers to quality creative careers, it is fantastic to be partnering with Factory International once more. 

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“This event, which celebrates our third year of delivering the programme, will open up pathways for Manchester youth, linking up the next generation of creative talent with industry experts and Manchester’s top creative voices.”

The Catch22 TikTok Creative Academy and Factory International: Career Festival will take place at Aviva Studios from 1pm to 4pm on Thursday 3 April. 

You can find out more about Catch22 and the services available HERE

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Featured image: Mark Crayden Photography