BRADFORD 2025 UK City of Culture is set to inspire district-wide transformation.

The initiative aims to use arts and culture for 'lasting positive change.'

Focusing on local talent and developing a lively and sustainable cultural sector, Bradford 2025 aims to create new skills and professional opportunities.

With 34 per cent of Bradford's population under 25, the city is one of the UK's youngest.

Bradford 2025 is putting young people at the heart of its mission.

Through its apprenticeship programme, Youth Panel, and the newly launched Young Creatives initiative, Bradford 2025 is shaping the next generation of leaders and changemakers.

Shanaz Gulzar, creative director, and Dan Bates, executive director of Bradford 2025, said: "Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young population to become leaders and changemakers, starting a new chapter in the story of Bradford.

"Through a range of schemes, we are ensuring a legacy for this pivotal year, addressing the inequalities that our district and sector faces and providing opportunities for employment, long-term, and meaningful transferable skills."

The Young Creatives initiative offers paid 16-month placements to 10 young people from under-represented backgrounds.

These placements span various departments within the Bradford 2025 team and partners, including cultural organisations such as the Brontë Parsonage Museum, Dance United Yorkshire, and the National Science and Media Museum.

Besides hands-on experience, participants will work toward a Level 4 Professional Diploma in Creative Enterprise, supported by Bradford School of Art.

Bradford 2025’s apprenticeship programme, in collaboration with Access Industry, is designed to give young people the tools and qualifications needed to succeed in the creative industries.

These apprenticeships offer real-world experience and open doors to specialised careers.

Jackson Armstrong, director of business development at Access Industry, said: "We're proud to collaborate with the Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture team to give young people an opportunity to build exciting careers in creative subjects.

"We hope that this partnership will lead to more apprenticeships being offered locally, boosting the local economy, filling skills gaps, and offering local residents a bright, creative future."

The Youth Panel, made up of 17 young people from diverse backgrounds, gives youth a voice in shaping the district’s cultural scene.

The Bradford 2025 Youth Pass offers discounted tickets, priority booking, and special events for people aged 16 to 25.

The Young Creatives programme is funded by The Harry and Mary Foundation and The Charles and Elsie Sykes Trust.