Liverpool-based Social Enterprise, PLACED, launches FREE Academy for young people
PLACED Academy is a brand new programme designed to inspire the next generation of place makers from the North West about the built environment. The programme offers an array of events and professional development activities, to develop the skills of participants, make their CV stand out from the crowd, build confidence and prepare them for their next steps.
Open to anyone who will be studying in Years 10, 11 or 12, in the academic year 2019-20, PLACED Academy has an emphasis on being accessible to all and pushes for diversification in the creative sector. Unlike many courses, it is completely free to attend the year long programme.
PLACED will work with young people who are considering college, university, an apprenticeship or work experience as their next step. Young people do not need any specific skills, knowledge or previous experience – just enthusiasm to get involved and take part. PLACED will work with participants to develop a bespoke programme to support their desired path.
Applicants will work alongside professional architects, planners and urban designers, as well as current students – providing real insider knowledge, which would otherwise be restricted for those looking to study or gain experience in the field in the future.
PLACED Director, Jo Harrop states: ‘PLACED are thrilled to be building on our experience in delivering education programmes that inspire young people about the built environment, developing their skills, knowledge and confidence. The PLACED Academy will provide a tailored programme of support, whilst connecting young people with those working and studying in the sector. By working with young people from a wide range of communities and supporting those under-represented in the sector, we can help to diversify the sector for the future. We are very grateful to our partners and sponsors for making this programme possible’.
PLACED are partnering up with The Regenda Group and the University of Liverpool School of Environmental Sciences, along with sponsors including Buttress, FWP, OMI, Planit-IE and Sheila Bird, ABW and DTM Legal to deliver the programme.
Dr. Sam Hayes, Department of Geography and Planning, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Liverpool says: ‘The School of Environmental Sciences at the University of Liverpool is proud to be a partner on the PLACED Academy because it helps us to get the message out about interesting and rewarding career paths available in the built environment. PLACED are amazing at helping us to spread this message and we hope the project will encourage young people from the city region to consider studying and working in the built environment, and ultimately to make places better for everyone.’
Lesley Penton – Partnerships Manager for The Regenda Group explained: “We are delighted to be a partner on the PLACED academy and to help inspire the next generation of place makers in the region. The Regenda Group is passionate about regeneration, raising aspirations and creating opportunities for people, so it is a natural fit for us to support the programme. We look forward to meeting the future sector leaders, partners and sponsors.”
PLACED works across the North West to deliver creative education and engagement programmes about the built environment. The Liverpool-based social enterprise has delivered projects such as nationally recognised ‘Hidden Liverpool’ and month long pop-up, Ed’s Place.
PLACED are looking for other companies to get involved by sponsoring individual places for young people to help make the programme accessible for all.
To find out more visit the website www.placed-academy.com