The new wave at Dv8 Sussex
Treading paths into the creative industries for talented students at Dv8 Sussex
The 11th year in the life of creative college Dv8 Sussex has been full of success stories, amazing achievements, inspiration, and just a little perspiration. From its humble beginnings teaching young people the art of club promotion in a small room above an internet café, Dv8 has since graduated to a TARDIS-like centre next to Churchill Square with a state of the art music studio, media suite and fashion studio concealed behind its big green door.
The college has also firmly established itself in the heart of Bexhill, inhabiting a disused church complete with stage and chapel, and transforming it into a hive of music energy and expertise. Offering free courses for 16–18 year olds in Music Production, Fashion, Media Production, Live Events and Art and Design, plus paid apprenticeships, Dv8 Sussex helps you to take the next step towards your chosen career.
So, what’s it all about? “We believe that all the young people have a huge potential to succeed. When you give them the opportunity to learn new skills that they can put into practice in the real world, they can achieve great things,” says Dv8 Sussex’s Director Dan Wallman. “Our courses provide the qualifications young people need, coupled with the experience to show they know how to use those skills. Work experience is the key to getting your first job, so we create our own; we give young people job titles, roles and responsibilities and put them in charge of their own projects. The best way to learn something is by doing it and all our tutors work actively in the industry they teach, they aren’t just trained teachers but are also touring musicians, installation artists, actors, editors, DJs, filmmakers, fashion designers and more, so who better to show the young people how it’s done?”
This industry model is central to Dv8’s success, and there is a real buzz around the centre when courses are in full flow. Media Production Level 2 student Josh Scott summed it up perfectly: “You get to take part in real opportunities with industry clients who offer their own experiences and professional advice. At Dv8 all the staff are really caring, not just about our well-being or education, but about us as individuals. There’s a real sense of communication and respect between both parties.”
This year, Josh seized these opportunities and went on to produce a documentary in asexuality for Fixers UK that was picked up by ITV Meridian. “If it wasn’t for Dv8, this opportunity would never have happened. Not just because they helped me contact Fixers UK but because they gave me the motivational boost I needed, as well as the confidence in myself to persist with this.”
Gaining this crucial insight and experience into students’ chosen industries is essential to the Dv8 model, and each course involves enterprise projects which place students firmly in the world of work. Successful student-run initiatives this year have included setting up a customised clothing fashion label, a media production company creating promo films for local businesses, and record label NXT Audio which released an EP of fledgling Bexhill artist Harry Barrow’s work. Staying true to its roots in promotion, Dv8’s Live Events students have also created a vast array of successful events including Brighton Breakout, Beats Battle and Dv8’s end of year showcase, Dv8 Live. “The confidence and initiative of the students is inspiring, I don’t think I’ve ever worked with a better team!” said Programmer for The Old Market, Director of The Warren, and Live Events tutor James Turnbull.
Each year, Dv8 helps students to progress within education as well as the world of work. Level 1 Media Production student Lucy Gething has been offered a scholarship at Brighton FIlm School. “Brighton Film School is something I’ve always wanted to do. Thanks to Dv8 for helping me on my chosen path and making lectures around film production accessible, and introducing me to filming. Making my own films is going to be awesome!”
Flying in the face of a seemingly difficult job market, Dv8 also runs a successful apprenticeship programme in Social Media and Digital Marketing. This Level 3 qualification is open to students aged 16–23 and offers the candidate a year of paid employment in addition to the qualification, with many apprentices being kept on by their employer upon completion of the placement. With 20 vacancies currently available at a variety of interesting employers, these opportunities are just waiting for the right candidate to snap them up. “I was delighted when the opportunity of an apprenticeship with Dv8 came along, as I had just got my A-level results and felt like university wasn’t for me. The chance to earn money, gain real work experience and learn skills that are so essential in the modern job market was perfect,” said Adam Leadbitter, one Social Media and Digital Marketing Apprentice.
With more and more people choosing Dv8 Sussex, there couldn’t be a better time to join up and take the next step.
Interviews are now taking place for all courses starting in September
Visit www.dv8sussex.com for more information
