Opening Doors to the Creative Industries
In the heart of West Yorkshire, Production Park in South Kirkby is stepping up efforts to show young people that a career in the creative industries can be both rewarding and close to home. The 100,000 sq ft rehearsal complex, already a hub for major TV hits like Adolescence and Bank of Dave, is becoming a hands-on gateway for local youth to explore roles behind the scenes and on stage.
Why South Kirkby Matters for Aspiring Creatives
Production Park sits at a crossroads of talent, infrastructure, and opportunity. By demystifying the industry and bringing activities onto the doorstep of nearby communities, the park is helping young people imagine themselves in roles from lighting technicians to producers, set designers to sound engineers. The initiative aligns with a broader push in West Yorkshire to nurture local talent and provide clear pathways into creative careers that offer long-term prospects.
Hands-On Access to Real-World Work
The park’s facilities—especially its expansive rehearsal space—offer students a rare chance to observe and participate in the early stages of production. From rehearsals that test timing and pacing to demonstrations of how lighting and sound shape a scene, visitors gain a practical understanding of what it takes to bring a TV show or theatre production to life. This exposure helps to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, making the idea of a creative career tangible rather than abstract.
Programs That Put Youth First
With youth employment a growing priority, Production Park is developing programs tailored to young people’s interests and schedules. Initiatives may include school partnerships, summer shadowing days, and beginner-level technical workshops that cover essential skills such as basic lighting rig setup, sound checking, and stage management basics. By offering structured experiences, the park helps attendees build a portfolio of hands-on work and a clearer sense of the roles that suit their strengths and passions.
Careers that Embrace a Range of Skills
Creative careers aren’t limited to performers on camera. The park emphasizes the value of diverse skill sets in a thriving media ecosystem. For some, the path may lead to production coordination, costume and prop design, or post-production roles like editing and sound design. Others find their niche in behind-the-scenes specialties that keep productions running smoothly, often with strong career ladders and opportunities to advance in regional and national projects.
Supportive Pathways and Local Impact
Leaders at Production Park stress that entering the creative industries should be accessible. Partnerships with schools, colleges, and local work experience programs aim to remove barriers—such as travel or lack of equipment—by providing on-site experiences and mentoring. The broader impact extends beyond individual careers: a pipeline of skilled workers supports local productions, potentially attracting more filming, training, and investment to West Yorkshire.
Getting Involved: How to Start
Young people interested in exploring creative careers near South Kirkby can start by reaching out to local schools and community groups to ask about visiting days or apprenticeships. It’s beneficial to keep an eye on park announcements for upcoming workshops, open days, and short courses that fit around school commitments. Building a basic portfolio—such as photos from school productions, notes on project roles, or simple project logs—can also make applications stand out and demonstrate hands-on interest in the field.
A Forward-Looking Message
Production Park’s initiative sends a clear message: the creative industries are not far away. With accessible programs, hands-on experiences, and strong local partnerships, young people in West Yorkshire can envision a future where their talents contribute to the next generation of television, theatre, and digital media. The invitation to explore, learn, and contribute is open—and it starts right on their doorstep.
