Creative Digital SWAP
In March 2026 SharpFutures are hosting a creative digital SWAP placement programme at The Sharp Project in Manchester, part of the Discover! Creative Careers programme supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).
What is SWAP?
SWAPs support individuals who are ready to enter employment but need help developing the skills and behaviours that employers look for.
SWAP placements aim to:
Build confidence and enhance CVs for jobseekers
Support employers in filling local vacancies with work-ready candidates
SharpFutures
SharpFutures are a social enterprise that supports diverse talent into employment in the creative digital sector. By working with brands such as the BBC and Channel 4, we have a unique opportunity to train and develop a cohort from Greater Manchester for the sector through a unique two week placement.
The creative digital sector is based around ‘portfolio careers’ and this SWAP is an opportunity for participants to build up not just their technical creative and digital skills through a variety of workshops and set briefs but also their employability, freelancing and job search skills through sessions and support across the programme.
Each SWAP participant will get an opportunity upon completion of their training to be interviewed to join the SharpFutures POD paid employment programme.
The programme
SWAP participants will have the opportunity to gain real work life experience and understand the expectations and realities of the working environment by working independently and collaboratively through a range of tasks including collaborating on creative briefs, pitch ideas and concepts, reflect on professional and personal skills, and discuss their learnings.
Learning will take place at The Sharp Project, under the supervision and guidance of the SharpFutures team, experts in delivering the latest in creative, digital and employability skills development.
There will be an opportunity to interview to join SharpFutures POD and gain paid work experience with some of our clients in the Greater Manchester creative digital sector.
By completing the programme, participants will have greater confidence in their skillset and decision-making in relation to individual career journeys and next steps.
To apply to participate in the SWAP please complete this application form.
Note: the Creative Digital SWAP is for 18-25 year olds who are resident in Greater Manchester and are currently a DWP customer.
If you have any questions please email swap@sharpfutures.org.uk
Interested?
If you would like to find out more about this SWAP, we are hosting an open day on Wednesday Feb 25th at The Sharp Project, starting 1pm. To register please email swap@sharpfutures.org.uk
The Sharp Project is located on Thorp Road, Manchester, M40 5BJ. Directions to the site are here – it is close to public transport links and is fully accessible.
The SWAP will take place in March 2026 at The Sharp Project.
Eligibility
To take part in this SWAP you must be aged between 18-25 and be resident in the Greater Manchester region.
You will need to register for the SWAP via your local Job Centre
What is the Discover! Creative Careers programme?
Discover! Creative Careers is a government funded, industry-led programme that is working to ensure there is a larger and more diverse intake of talent via a broader range of routes into the creative industries. The free to access hybrid programme of activities and resources offers meaningful encounters with industry professionals, online tools, training and support throughout the year.
Its annual flagship Discover! Creative Careers event takes place every November, connecting thousands of young people with hundreds of workplaces to give hands-on insight into the creative industries. The delivery of Discover! Creative Careers is led by ScreenSkills in partnership with over 25 organisations and through collaboration with industry, education and careers professionals.
