About the campaign

Native Next Academy is a creative talent and skills development programme designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by empowering young people with the practical experience, industry knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in the media and creative industries. Delivered by Native Radio CIC, the Academy provides hands-on training in radio, podcasting, content creation, live production, and digital media. It celebrates diversity, cultural identity, and innovation, insuring equal access to opportunity for young people across Wales, particularly within colleges and underrepresented communities. Native Next Academy exists to empower the next generation of media creators through real-world experience and industry pathways.

Campaign challenges

Many young people in education leave college or university without the practical experience, industry connections, or portfolio evidence needed to access careers in media and creative sectors. Despite strong academic learning, there remains a clear gap between education and employment, particularly in hands-on creative industries.

Key challenges include limited access to professional equipment and studios, unequal opportunities across regions, lack of industry mentorship, and barriers faced by underrepresented groups in entering media careers. Without structured pathways into employment, talented young creators often struggle to transition from education into sustainable careers.

Native Next Academy addresses these challenges by creating a direct, practical pipeline from learning into real industry experience.

Key Initiatives

Our key initiatives represent the heart this campaign, showcasing the most powerful actions that drive real, lasting change in people’s lives. Each effort is thoughtfully designed to deliver immediate relief while building a stronger, more hopeful future for communities in need across every corner of society.

Hands-On Media Training Programme:

Delivering practical workshops in radio production, presenting, podcasting, content creation, editing, and live broadcasting using real studio environments.

Industry Mentorship & Career Pathways:

Connecting students with professionals across radio, music, and media industries to provide guidance, mentorship, and real career development support.

Creative Portfolio Development:

Supporting young people to build professional portfolios through live projects, broadcasts, events, and digital content that demonstrate real industry capability.

Diversity & Equal Access Programme:

Ensuring inclusive access for young people from all backgrounds, celebrating cultural identity and removing barriers to participation in the creative industries.

Live Projects & Real-World Experience:

Embedding learners into live productions, events, and broadcasts through Native Radio CIC, giving them direct experience of working in a professional media environment.

Join us in making a real difference

Your support can help Native Next Academy equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed in the media industry. Every contribution helps expand training programmes, improve access to equipment, and create more real-world opportunities for emerging talent.

You can support by partnering with us to deliver workshops, offering mentorship opportunities, funding training placements, or hosting live industry experiences. Educational institutions, employers, and sponsors all play a vital role in shaping the next generation of creative professionals.

Together, we can bridge the gap between education and employment and empower the next generation of media creators across Wales.