Workhouse partners with Blackburn College to develop Lancashire’s student creatives

Workhouse and Blackburn College have enjoyed a relationship for a number of years with the Ribchester based agency gaining education hub partnership back in 2016 after 4 successful years of informal collaboration.

The students are invited in pairs to join Workhouse for 2 days’ worth of experience working alongside senior creative, Mark Armer who heads up the project from Workhouses end. Students work on mock briefs that are based on the real briefs from Workhouses client list, which includes Crown Paints, Stax Trade Centres and not-for-profit charity, Climbers Against Cancer.

Mark discussed his passion for the project, saying: “The objective of holding student placements is to give them the opportunity to experience real commercial work, but also for Workhouse to see what young, local talent we have in the area. Educational links are important to us, not only for sourcing local creative talent but also giving the students valuable knowledge to take away and apply to their future careers.”

Jenna Gardner, academic subject leader for art and design at University Centre at Blackburn College, reiterated the importance and value of maintaining external relationships, saying: “The BA (Hons) Graphic Communication degree students not only gain first-hand industry experience at Workhouse Marketing but also enjoy the vibrancy and creativity that being in the studio offers.

"Mark has visited the campus studio, delivered a talk to the degree students, reviewed their applications for placements and has even assisted with assessments and critiques. We are proud to be working so closely with Mark and the team at Workhouse Marketing”. Blackburn College staff, John Harrison, Nicholas Hall and Jenna Gardner recently joined Workhouse at their Ribchester HQ to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, a formal agreement that cements the relationship and outlines both parties commitment going forward.