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Digital Creatives Thrive In Industry Thanks To HSDC

January 15, 2025

3 Members of the WorldSkills Team, Isaac, Hayden and Ellie on their graduation day

There are so many options open to young creatives these days, particularly in the ever-growing digital industry. Whether you want to be a hands-on game designer, build a digital company, or aren’t really sure what you want to do, there is likely to be a course at HSDC just for you!

Our South Downs Campus is home to various courses that have proven successful in getting young creatives into the industry, whether that’s through extra-curricular activities, higher education, or skills-based competition.

Don’t believe us? Just check out what four alumni from the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology (Film & TV) have been up to since leaving the College in 2021! During their last year of studying at HSDC South Downs, these four students were lucky enough to reach the final of the prestigious WorldSkills competition in Digital Media Production, going on to win the silver medal!

Isaac Callender-Barlow used his experiences at College and the WorldSkills competition to thrive at Ravensbourne University, an institution renowned for its links to the creative industry. After graduating, Isaac has gone on to work for DJ AG, dubbed ‘the most important DJ in the UK’ by The Guardian. He is one of the UK’s leading hip-hop artists with over 2 million followers on social media. As a producer, editor, and streamer for DJ AG, Isaac says:

“HSDC gave me the tools and opportunities to thrive, from technical training to unique experiences like WorldSkills. These experiences were instrumental in helping me develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive creative industry.”

WorldSkills Team Member Isaac Callender-Barlow

WorldSkills Team Member Isaac Callender-Barlow on his graduation day. Isaac currently works as a producer, editor, and streamer for DJ AG.

Also on the WorldSkills team was Jack Hilton, who, after graduating from the University of Staffordshire with a degree in Esports, was able to secure a position working at BLAST, a global esports entertainment network, where he currently works as a Media Rights Sales Executive. Speaking about his time at South Downs, Jack said:

“I owe a huge amount of credit to the opportunities and creative freedom I was provided with whilst studying at South Downs, with the WorldSkills Final being a particular highlight. My time at the College really helped me prepare myself for university and my eventual job search.”

WorldSkills Team Member Jack Hilton

WorldSkills Team Member Jack Hilton. Jack currently works as a Media Rights Sales Executive at BLAST.

After leaving South Downs Campus, Ellie James, who was also on the team, achieved a first class bachelor’s degree in Digital Film Production at Ravensbourne University. Using the skills and knowledge gained from her time at HSDC and university, Ellie has been able to secure an internship in Production Management at Warner Bros. Discovery! Looking back at her time at HSDC, Ellie said:

“The Production course at South Downs was crucial in setting the foundation for my time at university. I was able to use my skills in production to take on a role as a producer during my second year at university, which eventually helped me secure an internship at Warner Bros. I still can’t quite believe it!”

WorldSkills Team Member Ellie James

WorldSkills Team Member Ellie James. Ellie currently works as an intern in Production Management at Warner Bros. Discovery.

After leaving South Downs, Hayden Kracke was able to achieve a first class bachelor’s degree in Television Production from Ravensbourne University. During his time at university, Hayden spent two weeks on a placement at ITV in production for Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Now a graduate, Hayden is currently working as a Production Secretary on Love Island, one of the most culturally significant shows in the country. Speaking about his time at College, Hayden said:

“HSDC helped to provide me with an initial understanding of the creative process, giving me the skills and qualifications needed to pursue creative production at higher education, and eventually in a career.”

WorldSkills Team Member Hayden Kracke

WorldSkills team member Hayden Kracke. Hayden currently works as a production secretary for ITV.

South Downs is a fantastic place to study if you have a passion for creative media production, with its excellent lecturers and top-grade facilities ensuring that you leave College equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in any industry. 

To find out more about our UAL Accredited Creative Media Production Technology courses, please follow these links:

Film and TV (L3): https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/courses/south-downs-campus/vocational/creative-media-production-technology-film-tv-production-ual-level-3-extended-diploma/ 

Esports (L3):

https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/courses/south-downs-campus/vocational/creative-media-and-production-technology-esports-ual-level-3-extended-diploma/ 

Content   Creation (L2): 

https://www.hsdc.ac.uk/courses/south-downs-campus/vocational/creative-media-production-technology-content-creation-production-level-2/