As the Tour returns to Fly By Nite Studios, Redditch on 9 February 2024

Production Futures creates opportunities for young people to learn, train, network and develop careers in production across every area of the live event, music, touring, theatre, TV, broadcast and film industries.

The initiative runs a series ON TOUR events throughout the year, where young visitors from all over the UK are able to directly connect with representatives of its world-leading brand partners to learn more about and explore employment opportunities in the industry.

Its next event will take place at Fly By Nite Studios in Redditch on 9 February 2024.

Set to attract a wide range of young people from across the West Midlands, this free of charge event will promote employability, transferable skills, diversity, free training, networking, and will present more paid work opportunities and apprenticeships than ever before to newcomers across the live event and broadcast production industry.

A host of world-leading manufacturers, supply and production companies, venues and distributors, will be present at the event, including Sennheiser, Martin Audio, Avolites, ChamSys, Chauvet Professional, Brompton Technology, ROE Visual, Riedel Communications, Claypaky and Vectorworks, Lights Control Rigging, Neg Earth Lights, PRG, Pearce Hire, IPS, Event Concept, 80six, 2BHeard, AED, Stage Engage, 2BToured, Sterling Event Group, FIX8Group, Freight Minds, Solotech, Neumann, Encore Global, Sontronics, Interfacio, SOS Global Logistics, Alpha Crew, RWS Global, Visions, Dobson Sound, Autograph Sound, Production Park, TAIT, AVS, Production Box, MIF and Factory International, VME, Euro Generators, Euroscreens, White Light, Entedi, Gallowglass and the BBC. Representatives of each will be present to provide advice, information and insights, and discuss specific job and training opportunities.

As well as manufacturers and suppliers, Production Futures also works closely with a range of organisations, initiatives, education partners and associations, connecting employment and training opportunities to a diverse pool of talent. The Princes Trust, Women In Live Music, Black Lives in Music, Network of Women In Events, PSA, ABTT, Sharp Futures, Cheshire College, University of Derby, Access Creative Group, Rose Bruford College, Academy of Live Technology, BOA, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, The Power of Events and Festival Insights, are all groups with whom Production Futures enjoy strong and productive relationships, and who will have representatives available to answer questions and offer support.

Visitors will enjoy a packed schedule, which includes special guests, talks and workshops covering hidden job roles and pathways into Live events, music, festival, TV, film and broadcast careers.

Industry standard training workshops will offer young visitors the chance to engage in a wide range of activities from preparing to be job-ready with careers advice, to hands on exploration of lighting programming, CAD, audio engineering, as well as getting under the skin of music production, virtual production, broadcast sports and event production planning.

In the Production Futures Live Talks Lounge, there will be the opportunity to meet future employers and discuss current paid work opportunities, internships, apprenticeships, freelance opportunities, placements, and full time jobs.

Production Futures CEO Hannah Eakins is delighted to be bringing this latest ON TOUR event back to the West Midlands:

“Our ON TOUR events over the last 20 months have been a huge success, attracting and inspiring thousands of young people to pursue careers in what is a truly exciting industry. The significance of the sector to the UK economy shouldn’t be underestimated, and a huge skills shortage across the board means that the next generation is well-placed to make a real impact. Very often, we find that young people are simply unaware of the variety of opportunities that fall under the umbrella of the production industry.

Our aim is to increase the visibility of these opportunities, and in doing so improve the prospects and future of the whole industry.

“We are thrilled to be going back to FBN Studios as we have not been to the West Midlands since before the pandemic, so returning to where we held our biggest and most successful show in 2019 is hugely important to us. The skills shortage in our industry was apparent then, but now we face a skills crisis across the board – the entertainment production industry needs the opportunity to show young people and newcomers that it’s one of the very best in the world for technical and creative roles – there is a job for every single person and skill set.”

Scottie Sanderson, FBN Studio Manager adds:

“FBN Rehearsal Studios are extremely proud and privileged to be able to host a second Production Futures ON TOUR event in our award winning space. A lot has changed since our first event in 2019 – so we’re looking forward to another exciting day!

“A reduced workforce – exaggerated by the effects of, and fallout from, COVID 19 means that now, more than ever, that there’s a need to showcase to rising talent the opportunities available to them. Production Futures ON TOUR brings many elements together to raise that awareness to the next generation of creatives and leaders who may otherwise struggle to fulfil the shortfall within the industry. We need to continue attracting new talent into the industry, and this is a great springboard to see what, and who, is out there.”

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said “I’m really pleased Production Futures is making its return to the West Midlands after more than four years away. Everyone knows my obsession with skills and training, making sure we continue to close the skills gap in the West Midlands and get local people the skills they need to secure quality work in one of our many thriving industries. This obsession is especially true in the creative sector, where for years we lagged behind our potential but are now finally catching up. It’s therefore brilliant to have events like these to help give people a head start, and I wish Hannah and her team all the success”

As well as allowing young people and newcomers to attend the event free of charge, Production Futures also makes available a number of group travel bursaries for organisations and educational institutions.

For more details about the event email hello@productionfutures.com