Production Futures has launched a new Partner Recognition Badge, designed to formally recognise organisations that are actively creating accessible pathways into the live events and production industries.
The badge will be awarded to partners who demonstrate a clear commitment to supporting industry access, skills development and workforce diversity, providing a visible standard of contribution across the sector. With more than 100 organisations already working in partnership with Production Futures, the initiative highlights those going beyond conversation and taking meaningful action to support the next generation of talent.
The launch comes at a time when the UK education sector is placing greater emphasis on careers guidance, apprenticeships and technical education, and on giving young people direct, “meaningful encounters” with real‑world employers. The Partner Recognition Badge is designed to sit alongside these priorities, offering a clear way for schools, colleges and youth organisations to identify partners who are already invested in widening access to the live‑events and production world.
The badge also responds to the live‑events skills shortage now widely reported across the UK, where research shows that 69% of employers say they are experiencing skill shortages, often leading to delayed projects, increased workloads and constrained growth plans. By recognising organisations that are plugging the talent pipeline through placements, mentoring and early‑career opportunities, the Partner Recognition Badge is a concrete mechanism for organisers and suppliers to signal that they’re actively building the next‑gen live‑events workforce, not just talking about the shortage.
Production Futures continues to play a vital role in connecting young people, career starters, returners and career changers with the skills, networks and real‑world experiences needed to succeed. Through its nationwide programme of events and engagement initiatives, the organisation is helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable workforce.
Partners are central to delivering this impact. By working alongside Production Futures, organisations are helping to open up opportunities for individuals who may otherwise be excluded from the industry, including those who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), home‑educated learners, youth groups and charities. The new badge provides a way to clearly recognise this contribution, giving partners a credible and visible way to demonstrate their role in widening access and supporting the future workforce.
Aligned with ongoing DEI, access and social‑mobility priorities in the events and creative industries, the badge positions the Partner Recognition Badge as a visible commitment to inclusion, not just a statement on a website. It reflects organisations that are taking measurable, accountable steps—offering routes into the industry for under‑represented groups and helping to diversify the talent pipeline.
In addition to supporting new entrants, Production Futures and its partners are also focused on strengthening the existing workforce. This includes helping freelancers and graduates to upskill, build experience and access opportunities at key stages in their careers—responding to the growing demand for adaptable, multi‑skilled professionals in 2026.
Hannah Eakins, CEO of Production Futures, said: “Over the past year, we’ve had a number of partners ask whether they can formally reference their work with Production Futures and their commitment to supporting the next generation of talent and the future workforce. As we reach a significant milestone of 100 partners and having engaged with over 20,000 young people, we felt this was the right moment to formally recognise that contribution. This badge is about recognising the partners who are actually doing the work creating training, education and work opportunities, showing up and helping people find a way in. As an industry, we rely on fresh talent and new perspectives. If we want that to continue, we all need to play a part in making the industry more accessible.”
Production Futures and its partners work collaboratively throughout the year to inspire the next generation, support skills development and strengthen the talent pipeline across the live events and production industries. The Partner Recognition Badge also encourages wider industry engagement, inviting organisations to play an active role in addressing skills gaps and helping to build a future‑ready, representative workforce.
