Helping Young People Build Skills in Esports and Digital Media
Esports and digital media are not just hobbies. They are thriving industries that present real career opportunities, particularly for young people looking to develop creative and technical skills. Through the Esports Futures Programme, funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund, we at Blunt & Brave delivered hands-on training in content creation, esports production and media storytelling. This initiative was about more than skill-building. It was about providing a direct pathway into employment and higher education for young people eager to explore opportunities in esports and digital industries.
What is Esports Futures? A Digital Skills Programme
Esports Futures was a 10-week programme designed to support young people aged 16-24 who were not in education, employment or training. It was part of the UK Community Renewal Fund, which was set up to support innovative projects that help people develop the skills needed for future industries. Delivered in partnership with the University of Warwick’s Esports Centre and Blunt & Brave. The programme combined practical esports experience with digital production training and career development opportunities with an aim to help young people build skills in esports and digital media and offer an innovative approach to learning, blending digital creativity with employability skills to provide a real-world industry experience.
Programme Highlights
Training sessions designed to develop practical digital skills and inspire creativity
200 young people took part, gaining hands-on industry experience
Educational resources created to support schools and teachers in integrating digital skills into the curriculum
Direct engagement with industry mentors and professionals, giving participants a first-hand insight into esports and digital media careers
Blunt & Brave’s Role: Delivering Industry-Ready Digital Media Training
Blunt & Brave was a driving force in ensuring that this programme bridged the gap between gaming and employability. Our workshops and training sessions were built to go beyond playing games, instead turning participants into skilled digital creators.
Using real gameplay footage from esports tournaments, participants were trained to edit videos, create branding materials and build social media strategies. These skills are not just relevant in esports but are increasingly in demand across marketing, media and entertainment industries.
Key Learning Areas
Esports media production – Teaching participants how to turn their gameplay into professional digital content
Video editing and content creation – Helping young people create engaging highlight reels and esports documentaries
Graphic design and branding – Developing esports team logos, promotional graphics and social media visuals
Digital storytelling and social media marketing – Teaching how to engage audiences and build a strong online presence
Industry-standard software training – Familiarising participants with the tools and techniques used in professional esports and media production
Why Digital Skills Matter for the Future
Esports Futures was designed with employability in mind. The digital sector is one of the fastest-growing industries in the UK, and demand for skilled digital content creators, marketers and media professionals is at an all-time high.
For many participants, this programme was their first experience working with professional-grade tools and industry mentors. By the end of the course, they had produced portfolio-ready projects, providing them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs, apprenticeships or higher education.
Beyond esports, these transferable skills can be applied in digital marketing, advertising, social media management, video production and more. Employers are actively seeking young people who are digitally fluent, creative and adaptable, making initiatives like Esports Futures crucial for preparing the next generation for the modern workforce.
Celebrating Success at the Showcase Event
The programme concluded with a Showcase Event at Warwick Arts Centre, where participants were able to present their work to industry professionals, family and friends. This was more than a celebration. It was a professional networking opportunity that gave participants a platform to share their creative achievements and receive recognition for their work.
The event included:
Cinema screenings – Participants’ films were presented on the big screen, giving them a professional-level experience
Digital art exhibition – Featuring branding projects, video edits and other creative work professionally displayed
Networking and industry engagement – An opportunity to meet potential employers and industry mentors
Panel discussions – Insights from esports professionals and creative industry experts on career opportunities in the sector
What Participants Had to Say
The feedback from participants highlights the transformational impact of Esports Futures. Many spoke about how the programme expanded their career horizons, giving them a real sense of direction and purpose in the digital industry.
"I enjoyed all of it. It has really opened my eyes to careers in esports. Very thankful for the opportunity."
"The mentors were welcoming and inclusive, treating everyone equally. They made learning fun."
"I did not know much about esports before, but now I understand what it takes to play and even plan an event."
The Future of Esports and Digital Media
Esports Futures created a lasting impact by developing educational resources that will help teachers and schools continue this work for years to come. By giving young people new skills and opportunities, the programme has made esports and digital media a realistic and viable career path for many participants.
Blunt & Brave is committed to helping young people develop industry-ready digital and creative skills that lead to employment. We are actively seeking partnerships with organisations across Warwickshire, the West Midlands and beyond to develop new training initiatives that bridge the gap between education and the creative industries.
If you are working on a project that supports digital skills, esports, media production or creative careers, we want to collaborate. Get in touch with us to see how we can work together to create meaningful opportunities for young people.
Partner With Us
Esports is more than entertainment. It is an economic driver that is shaping career growth, digital innovation and creative opportunities. Programmes like Esports Futures prove that gaming can be an educational tool and a gateway to real career prospects.
Looking for a partner to deliver esports and digital media training? Contact Blunt & Brave and let’s build the next generation of digital creatives together.
Contact us at academy@bluntandbrave.com