Introducing the Future Talent Programme

7 min read

Written by

Chris Theaker

Hariss, Emily and Ellis looking at a laptop screen for the Future Talent Programme
Supporting the next generation of creative professionals

We’re proud to launch the Future Talent Programme – a new initiative from Bubble designed to inspire, support and develop the next generation of creative talent.

Rooted in our commitment to community and people-first values, the programme is built around three key pillars: apprenticeships, work experience placements, and academic workshops. These pathways are designed to offer students and aspiring creatives meaningful exposure to the world of design, digital and marketing – helping them build confidence, gain hands-on experience, and develop the practical skills needed to launch a successful career.

At its heart, the programme is about making a real difference. We want to bridge the gap between education and industry by creating a clear route into creative careers – especially for local students across our region. By partnering with schools, colleges and universities, we’re not just opening our doors to young talent, we’re actively investing in their growth.

And it’s something we truly believe in – because many of us have been there ourselves. A number of our team started out through work placements or junior roles right here at Bubble. They’ve since grown into leadership positions, built successful careers, and helped shape the agency into what it is today. This journey from fresh talent to experienced professional is one we’re passionate about passing on.

We don’t see this as a tick-box initiative. We see it as a vital part of our social impact – one that allows us to give back, strengthen our local creative community, and play a role in shaping the future of our industry.

Here’s Rhys and Chris talking about our Future Talent Programme

What the Future Talent Programme includes
1. Apprenticeships

Our apprenticeship scheme is ideal for those ready to take their first steps into the creative industry. It offers a hands-on, structured route into employment, with a focus on practical learning and personal growth. As an apprentice at Bubble, you’ll become a valued part of our team – not just observing, but contributing to real client projects across web design, branding, digital marketing, and more.

You’ll benefit from:

• On-the-job training guided by experienced professionals who’ve walked the same path

• A structured development plan tailored to your interests and career goals

• Regular one-to-one mentorship, designed to build both your confidence and skill set

• A chance to develop your portfolio while working in a fast-paced, creative environment

Whether you’re leaving school, finishing college, or simply looking for an alternative to university, our apprenticeships offer a solid foundation to build a successful, long-term career in the creative sector.

Hear from our current apprentices

Want to know what it’s really like to be an apprentice at Bubble? Don’t just take our word for it – hear directly from two of our current team members who are completing their apprenticeships with us.

In these short videos, they share their experiences of working on live projects, what they’ve learned so far, and how the programme is helping shape their future careers in the creative industry.

Their stories are a great insight into the day-to-day life of an apprentice at Bubble, and the genuine opportunities that come with being part of our team.

Watch the videos below to find out more.

Ellis talks about his experience as a web design apprentice at Bubble

Our Senior Social Media Executive, Emily, talks about her apprenticeship journey at Bubble

You can also read our recent blog announcing the appointment of our newest apprentices – Hariss, who’s joined us as a Business Development Apprentice, and Ellis, who’s starting his journey as a Web Design Apprentice.

2. Work Experience Placements

Our work experience placements are designed to give students aged 15+ a real taste of agency life. These short-term opportunities – often one or two weeks – go beyond passive shadowing or admin tasks. Instead, students are welcomed into the team and encouraged to get involved with live projects, creative discussions, and collaborative tasks that reflect the day-to-day reality of working in the industry.

What students can expect:

• A hands-on, immersive experience that brings classroom learning to life

• The chance to contribute to real work that makes an impact

• A supportive team who take the time to share their knowledge and answer questions

• A better understanding of what it’s really like to work in a creative agency, helping students make informed decisions about their education and career paths

These placements are ideal for those curious about design, marketing, or digital careers – and they offer valuable insights that can help shape future study and career choices.

3. Academic Workshops and Student Talks

We’re passionate about sharing our knowledge with the next generation. Through academic workshops and guest talks, our team visits schools, colleges, and universities to deliver engaging, relevant sessions that connect what students are learning in the classroom with real-world applications.

Our sessions include:

• Creative career talks that outline different roles in the industry and how to get started

• Portfolio-building workshops with practical tips on how to present your work professionally

• Insights into current trends and tools used in design, branding, and digital marketing

• Q&A sessions with industry professionals, allowing students to ask questions and hear real stories

These workshops are designed to be inspiring, informative, and interactive – giving students the confidence, clarity, and motivation they need to pursue creative careers.

Why we’re doing it

At Bubble, we’ve always believed in the power of investing in people. The Future Talent Programme is our way of formalising that belief – by creating a meaningful, structured pathway for young people to explore and enter the creative industry.

This initiative sits at the heart of our wider social impact commitments. We know that not everyone has the same access to opportunities, networks, or industry insight. By opening our doors to local students through apprenticeships, work placements, and educational workshops, we’re working to break down barriers and make creative careers more inclusive and accessible – no matter your background or starting point.

It’s also about ensuring the future of our industry. The creative sector is evolving rapidly, and it needs fresh ideas, diverse perspectives, and digitally native thinkers to continue to thrive. By helping students gain early exposure to real-world challenges, current technologies, and agency processes, we’re not just supporting individuals – we’re helping to nurture the next wave of talent our industry needs.

We’ve seen first-hand how life-changing the right opportunity can be. In fact, many of our own team members started their careers in similar ways – joining Bubble through work experience, internships or junior roles, and growing into the talented designers, developers, marketers and leaders they are today. The Future Talent Programme is an extension of that same ethos:

• To mentor emerging talent

• To provide genuine hands-on learning experiences

• And to give back to the communities that have supported us over the years

We believe in long-term, sustainable impact. And we’re proud to play our part in creating a stronger, more connected bridge between education and employment – one that helps young creatives feel confident, capable, and inspired to pursue their ambitions.

Making a difference, together

The Future Talent Programme is open to students, educators, and aspiring creatives who are looking to learn more about the industry and get a head start in their careers. Whether it’s through a placement, an apprenticeship, or attending one of our talks, we want to create real, lasting opportunities that make a difference.

If you’d like to get involved, or know someone who would benefit from the programme, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today.

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Written by

Chris Theaker

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