February 2024

Supporting digital innovation in the creative and cultural industries is now a UK Government priority, and BTC is delighted to be allocating a substantial tranche of Local Skills Improvement Funding to a brand-new initiative that will see it engage with creative and cultural businesses and organisations in our community through innovative learning and partnerships, listening and responding to this exciting and vibrant industry with such presence locally.

In order to do this BTC will work to strengthen existing industry links through sector deep dives focussed on transferable skills from traditional arts to creative digital, the implementation of equipment and technology found in use today and valuable real-life insight into the digital creative lifestyle preparing our learners for their first steps into employment.

An aspiration of this project is to provide an innovative, creative space where the integration of creative and digital skills can be further explored; Inviting creative businesses and individuals into BTC to pass on their invaluable skills and industry experience to both students and lecturers whilst providing local access to resource that supports their business growth.

BTC have enlisted the support of Paul Smith to help build effective partnerships in Digital Creative, you can hear from Paul below-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53YBHVFipRQ

March 2024

Our innovative approach to Digital in response the HotSW LSIP is truly transforming BTC’s delivery in the creative sector. We have received an overwhelming amount of positive support from the creative digital industry of the community and are working in collaboration to address the digital skills gaps in our curriculum delivery.

Through the Local Skills Improvement Fund BTC have been able to purchase equipment for a new video podcast studio with the intent to support businesses with their own marketing and communications, giving our students valuable experiences in production and content creation

We continue to encourage the digital transformation of creative skills and after consultations with employers for their equipment recommendations, our students have been putting a range of technology to the test.

July 2024

Taunton’s digital creative community is home to some very exciting small businesses, many of which operate without dedicated premises and rely on limited equipment. While there has been an increase in shared office spaces and business hubs in Somerset, these have largely focused on the ‘hot desk’ model.

To address this, “The Realm” is being developed at the Taunton campus. This project aims to provide local creative businesses with access to facilities, equipment and technologies that would be expensive for micro businesses to purchase individually, potentially limiting their creative output.

The Realm is more than just a workspace. Its vision is to be a hub where businesses can engage and collaborate with other businesses and students. This connection between education and business is crucial for addressing the digital skills gap and creating a sense of community where businesses can inspire future generations.

Employer input has significantly shaped The Realm’s development, with the design incorporating facilities for video and podcast production and digital equipment. These resources not only benefit business but also provide transformational learning experiences for students.

Investment in The Realm has been driven by direct feedback from employers, ensuring that the facilities align with current industry needs. This engagement has led to other benefits, such as enhanced connections with the digital curriculum and opportunities for SMEs to support business start-ups.

If you are interested in finding out more about The Realm, please email therealm@btc.ac.uk .

October 2024

Following a fantastic refurbishment phase throughout July and August, BTC were thrilled to formally host “The Realm” Launch event.

BTC hosted two launch events to cater for the different members of the community that this facility will support; welcoming employers, self-employed, networks and organisations to shape the future of this initiative and influence the curriculum offer that supports it.

The launch events included a presentation from BTC project lead and two collaborative workshops focused on employer influenced curriculum and employers supporting employers with current, emerging and future skills demands.

Themes arising from the event included areas such as entrepreneurship, SEO and analytics, and mentoring which showed a strong appetite to help transform the future of skills delivery for young people making their way into the creative digital sector and fantastic responses for employers supporting employers through masterclasses, knowledge transfer and collaborative working.