North East creative internship scheme expands

An innovative North East creative internship scheme is expanding onto an online platform where interns can access briefs remotely.

Shift was launched last year by Newcastle creative agency Precept, as an in-house internship programme for budding creatives.

As the scheme approaches its first birthday, the team have decided to open up Shift to help other young creatives.

Nick Johnson, owner of Precept explained: “Shift started out as in internal internship programme to propel a group of interns housed in the Precept studio last summer.

“Since its success we’ve been looking to implement an outreach programme to help other budding creatives that we otherwise couldn’t provide for. Shift Live isn’t just a series of knock out events, it’s also the name of our new soon to be launched online platform which allow creatives to sign up as members and actively get involved with Shift’s live briefs remotely.”

A first birthday party for Shift is taking place at Think Tank on Hoults Yard in Newcastle on March 28, between 4pm and 2am.

Those interested in pursuing the scheme can sign up for the waiting list, and gaining membership for free workshops and conferences.

Andrew Kilburn, co-founder of Shift, said: “All of the team are passionate about living and working in the North East. For too long London agencies have been attracting all of our local talent. We want to encourage more young creatives to stay in the region.

“Shift is about providing an environment where their talent can be nurtured and where they can get real experience that is going to land them a job.”

Shift now has dedicated space for 15-20 interns at any one time, and a separate 6-month programme is launching to develop individuals and coach them on how to work collaboratively in an agency environment.

The event will feature free food and drink as well as a spot from stand-up comic Fern Brady and DJs.

For more information visit www.weareshift.org.