Turning creative potential into real-world experience.

The Challenge

Talent is everywhere. Opportunities to gain real-world experience are not always as accessible.

Creative Youth Academy was created to bridge the gap between education and the creative industry, giving young people the practical skills, industry insights, and professional guidance they need to take their first steps into a creative career.

The Idea

What if young creatives could learn by doing — working on real briefs, receiving feedback from industry professionals, and experiencing what agency life is really like right from the get go?

Together with the UK agency and our long time partner Sharper, BDG Agency developed Creative Youth Academy: a hands-on learning and mentorship programme designed to connect emerging talent with the realities of the creative industry.

Supported by the British Council through the WB-UK Creative Economy Sector Development Fund, the initiative brought together expertise from North Macedonia and the United Kingdom to help shape the next generation of creative professionals.

From Learning to Doing

The first generation brought together 20 young creatives, selected from more than 60 applicants.

The programme combined an intensive two-week bootcamp with three months of mentorship and workshops led by professionals from North Macedonia and the UK. Across visual design and branding, video production, creative strategy, and client and project management, participants developed their skills through practical assignments and real-world briefs.

The journey culminated in the presentation of live campaign concepts for NLB Bank and Gorenje — putting their ideas, skills, and creativity to the test in front of industry professionals and project partners.

The Results

The most meaningful result? Seeing potential turn into opportunity.

• 20 young creatives selected for the first generation.
• 60+ applicants eager to take their next step into the industry.
• 4 participants already employed in the creative industry before the programme officially ended.

Beyond the numbers, Creative Youth Academy created space for young talent to build confidence, gain practical experience, and make valuable connections with the industry.