Employment Programmes: higher education

Take learning beyond the lecture theatre.

Get in touch

Give students a closer look at where their degree could take them.

SharpFutures works with universities and higher education providers to connect students with the creative and digital industries through practical learning, industry insight and real-world experiences.

We help students explore career possibilities, develop professional skills and understand how to turn learning into industry-relevant career paths.

Because employability isn't just about having the right qualification. It's about knowing how to use it.

Step into the industry

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Step into the industry .

Based in Manchester? You can get a tour of The Sharp Project for FREE

Give students the chance to explore a working creative environment, discover the businesses based here and see how different roles contribute to the industry.

Our workplace visits can be combined with industry talks, practical workshops and bespoke activities to support your course or employability objectives.

Turn career curiosity into career opportunities.

Work with us

Who we work with

The image shows the BBC logo in black and white with three letters B, B, and C inside individual square boxes, labeled as 'BBC' in a simple, clean font.
Number four with the word Skills underneath
Color gradient ITV logo with green, yellow, and blue hues.
MTV EMA 2024 logo with colorful accents and text indicating event in Manchester.
Logo for the 2026 Britain Awards with a black and white background, the text 'BRIT AWARDS 2026' with the Mastercard logo, and a large stylized number 3 filled with an orange, fiery globe.
JD logo with the Thetter JD in bold against a black circle background.
Logo of the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport with a black and white crest and the department name in black text on a white background, bordered by a pink line on the left.
Logo of the UK Department for Work & Pensions with a black and white crest and the department name in black text on a white background, bordered by a blue line on the left.

Industry-led practical sessions

Our practical sessions challenge students to apply their new skills in varied ways.

Supported by industry experts, workplace visits and practical projects, students can:

Explore creative and digital career pathways.

Develop practical and transferable workplace skills

Meet professionals and hear about their career journeys.

Work on real-world creative challenges.

Understand what employers look for beyond a degree.

Build confidence communicating and collaborating.

Programmes built around your students

  • Industry insight

    Talks, panels and interactive sessions that introduce students to real careers, skills and career journeys.

  • Creative practice

    Practical briefs and projects that challenge students to think, create, collaborate and communicate.

  • Workplace experience

    Bring students into a working creative environment and give them a first-hand look at the industry.

  • Employability skills

    Give students practical experience and the confidence to navigate the world of work.

Our link to creative & digital industries

For learners ready to build their experience, SharpFutures can provide a pathway into POD (People On Demand) connecting emerging talent with paid creative and digital work.

 We’ve successfully supported learners into opportunities with JD Sports, the BBC and local businesses, helping them turn new skills into real industry experience. 

Learn → Build → Connect → Work

Discover POD