Blog
March 12, 2026
TCA at Arsenal FC
TCA delivered a skills workshop to students from Lots to Explore, a project created by Arsenal Women defender Lotte Wubben-Moy
Blog
March 12, 2026
TCA at Arsenal FC
TCA delivered a skills workshop to students from Lots to Explore, a project created by Arsenal Women defender Lotte Wubben-Moy
News
March 2, 2026
Mark Gregory has officially stepped into the role of TCA Board Chair
Mark brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to social impact that aligns perfectly with our mission.
News
March 2, 2026
Mark Gregory has officially stepped into the role of TCA Board Chair
Mark brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to social impact that aligns perfectly with our mission.
News
February 19, 2026
Apply now for "The Best Summer Job Ever"!
We’re looking for 8 ambitious individuals from Staffordshire to join us at VCCP Stoke for a paid 4-week internship like no other. Click to learn more and apply!
News
February 19, 2026
Apply now for "The Best Summer Job Ever"!
We’re looking for 8 ambitious individuals from Staffordshire to join us at VCCP Stoke for a paid 4-week internship like no other. Click to learn more and apply!
News
February 12, 2026
AI Educator Conference
On 12th February, we hosted the Online AI Educators Conference, bringing together forward-thinking teachers, senior leaders, and industry to discuss how we can align the curriculum with real-world industry demands. Click to read about the key takeaways from this event.
News
February 12, 2026
AI Educator Conference
On 12th February, we hosted the Online AI Educators Conference, bringing together forward-thinking teachers, senior leaders, and industry to discuss how we can align the curriculum with real-world industry demands. Click to read about the key takeaways from this event.
News
January 14, 2026
Biggest Pitch Semi-Finals
In December and January, we held The Biggest Pitch of the Year semi-finals, where students from Stoke and Nottingham presented their campaign ideas to our partner Music Venue Trust. 5 winning teams were selected and those students will now go head-to-head to be crowned the winning school at the grand finals in London in March 2026!
News
January 14, 2026
Biggest Pitch Semi-Finals
In December and January, we held The Biggest Pitch of the Year semi-finals, where students from Stoke and Nottingham presented their campaign ideas to our partner Music Venue Trust. 5 winning teams were selected and those students will now go head-to-head to be crowned the winning school at the grand finals in London in March 2026!
News
November 28, 2025
The Biggest Pitch of the Year 2025/2026!
Building on the success of our Intercity Student Challenge work experience programme, we’ve partnered with OLIVER agency to expand into Nottingham to deliver an 8-week crash course in advertising. Students from Stoke and Nottingham will go head-to-head to be crowned the winning school!
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News
November 28, 2025
The Biggest Pitch of the Year 2025/2026!
Building on the success of our Intercity Student Challenge work experience programme, we’ve partnered with OLIVER agency to expand into Nottingham to deliver an 8-week crash course in advertising. Students from Stoke and Nottingham will go head-to-head to be crowned the winning school!
News
October 27, 2025
Marketing Week Awards
We’re thrilled to share that we've been "Highly Commended" for the Talent Trailblazer Award 2025! Awarded by Marketing Week and the Advertising Association, this award celebrates the organisations opening the industry up to new talent and we’re so proud to be recognised among them.
News
October 27, 2025
Marketing Week Awards
We’re thrilled to share that we've been "Highly Commended" for the Talent Trailblazer Award 2025! Awarded by Marketing Week and the Advertising Association, this award celebrates the organisations opening the industry up to new talent and we’re so proud to be recognised among them.
News
October 15, 2025
And that's a wrap!
15 August marked the final day of this year’s ‘Best Summer Job Ever’ internship. Our 12 Stoke interns spent the week with LADbible in Manchester, where they immersed themselves in the world of media. We couldn’t be prouder of their growth and professionalism throughout their journey.
News
October 15, 2025
And that's a wrap!
15 August marked the final day of this year’s ‘Best Summer Job Ever’ internship. Our 12 Stoke interns spent the week with LADbible in Manchester, where they immersed themselves in the world of media. We couldn’t be prouder of their growth and professionalism throughout their journey.
News
September 24, 2025
Congrats Sophie!
A former TCA summer intern, Sophie Slim, has been recognised as one of Campaign's 'Faces to Watch 2025'! Currently a Junior Designer for Girl&Bear, Sophie has worked with major brands including Cadbury and Walkers. She also led the redesign of our new brand identity! We're so proud to see her talent recognised by the industry. Read more in Campaign.
News
September 24, 2025
Congrats Sophie!
A former TCA summer intern, Sophie Slim, has been recognised as one of Campaign's 'Faces to Watch 2025'! Currently a Junior Designer for Girl&Bear, Sophie has worked with major brands including Cadbury and Walkers. She also led the redesign of our new brand identity! We're so proud to see her talent recognised by the industry. Read more in Campaign.
News
August 4, 2025
AI training with Adobe
Our interns visited Adobe’s London HQ for a day of creativity and innovation. They took part in hands-on training with Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly, exploring the power of design and AI to bring their ideas to life in the form of custom tote bags! Read more here.
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News
August 4, 2025
AI training with Adobe
Our interns visited Adobe’s London HQ for a day of creativity and innovation. They took part in hands-on training with Adobe Express and Adobe Firefly, exploring the power of design and AI to bring their ideas to life in the form of custom tote bags! Read more here.
News
July 24, 2025
The Best Networking Event Ever!
As part of the 'Best Summer Job Ever!' internship programme, local creative businesses iCreation, Lesniak Swann and VCCP Stoke will be hosting an event, bringing together Stoke-on-Trent’s creative community for a one-of-a-kind evening of networking, inspiration, and future talent. It's an opportunity for employers to network with 'The Best Summer Job Ever' interns and learn more about local creative talent.
News
July 24, 2025
The Best Networking Event Ever!
As part of the 'Best Summer Job Ever!' internship programme, local creative businesses iCreation, Lesniak Swann and VCCP Stoke will be hosting an event, bringing together Stoke-on-Trent’s creative community for a one-of-a-kind evening of networking, inspiration, and future talent. It's an opportunity for employers to network with 'The Best Summer Job Ever' interns and learn more about local creative talent.
News
July 21, 2025
Welcome 2025 Interns!
In July, we welcomed 12 talented interns to our 4-week 'Best Summer Job Ever', offering hands-on work experience in advertising, AI and the creative industries. We've also partnered with Adobe and LADbible to help supercharge our programme this year! Add us on Instagram.com/thechallengeracademy and follow their journey!
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News
July 21, 2025
Welcome 2025 Interns!
In July, we welcomed 12 talented interns to our 4-week 'Best Summer Job Ever', offering hands-on work experience in advertising, AI and the creative industries. We've also partnered with Adobe and LADbible to help supercharge our programme this year! Add us on Instagram.com/thechallengeracademy and follow their journey!
News
July 15, 2025
TCA partners with Adobe
On World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating our partnership with Adobe to deliver training on Adobe Express, a powerful creative suite that includes Adobe Firefly, their cutting-edge AI design tool.
News
July 15, 2025
TCA partners with Adobe
On World Youth Skills Day, we’re celebrating our partnership with Adobe to deliver training on Adobe Express, a powerful creative suite that includes Adobe Firefly, their cutting-edge AI design tool.
News
June 16, 2025
TCA Goes to Cannes Lions
In June 2025, VCCP Chief Strategy Officer and our co-founder Michael Lee travelled to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to share The Challenger Academy’s mission with the creative community: to break down barriers and open up access to this industry for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Click to read more in our LinkedIn post.
News
June 16, 2025
TCA Goes to Cannes Lions
In June 2025, VCCP Chief Strategy Officer and our co-founder Michael Lee travelled to the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity to share The Challenger Academy’s mission with the creative community: to break down barriers and open up access to this industry for young people from underrepresented backgrounds. Click to read more in our LinkedIn post.
News
June 1, 2025
Year 6 'Future Skills' Programme
We have teamed up with local Year 6 pupils to bring to life a challenge set by Lord Mayor Lyn Sharpe: “To get more families to celebrate Stoke’s Centenary!” The students worked hard to develop exciting advertising ideas.
News
June 1, 2025
Year 6 'Future Skills' Programme
We have teamed up with local Year 6 pupils to bring to life a challenge set by Lord Mayor Lyn Sharpe: “To get more families to celebrate Stoke’s Centenary!” The students worked hard to develop exciting advertising ideas.
News
March 3, 2025
Congrats NSCG Stafford!
In March, NSCG Stafford were crowned the winners of the 2024/25 Intercity Student Challenge. Thank you to our partner Alton Towers and well done to all of the students who participated from Stoke-on-Trent College, Stoke Sixth Form College, NSCG Newcastle & Stafford. Click to read more!
News
March 3, 2025
Congrats NSCG Stafford!
In March, NSCG Stafford were crowned the winners of the 2024/25 Intercity Student Challenge. Thank you to our partner Alton Towers and well done to all of the students who participated from Stoke-on-Trent College, Stoke Sixth Form College, NSCG Newcastle & Stafford. Click to read more!
News
February 17, 2025
TCA Receives National Lottery Funding
We're thrilled to have been awarded funding by The National Lottery Community Fund! This money will support our Future Skills Project, developing teaching resources for local Primary & Secondary schools to introduce students to the creative industries at a young age. We are so grateful for funders like The National Lottery who understand the importance of developing pupils' skills in the creative sector.
News
February 17, 2025
TCA Receives National Lottery Funding
We're thrilled to have been awarded funding by The National Lottery Community Fund! This money will support our Future Skills Project, developing teaching resources for local Primary & Secondary schools to introduce students to the creative industries at a young age. We are so grateful for funders like The National Lottery who understand the importance of developing pupils' skills in the creative sector.
News
February 10, 2025
Apply Now for the 'Best Summer Job Ever' 2025!
Ever wondered how Virgin Media got a goat on a hand glider? Or a highland cow on a motorbike? This is your chance to get an insight into the creative industries and learn a host of new career skills. This 4-week summer internship in Stoke will teach you how to create your own creative campaigns for some of VCCP's flagship clients. Click to learn more.
News
February 10, 2025
Apply Now for the 'Best Summer Job Ever' 2025!
Ever wondered how Virgin Media got a goat on a hand glider? Or a highland cow on a motorbike? This is your chance to get an insight into the creative industries and learn a host of new career skills. This 4-week summer internship in Stoke will teach you how to create your own creative campaigns for some of VCCP's flagship clients. Click to learn more.
News
January 31, 2025
TCA partners with LADbible
We are delighted to announce our partnership with LADbible Group for the 2025 'Best Summer Job Ever’ internship. With their generous support, we can now offer 4 additional paid placements, as well as visits to their London and Manchester offices. Read more at LBB Online.
News
January 31, 2025
TCA partners with LADbible
We are delighted to announce our partnership with LADbible Group for the 2025 'Best Summer Job Ever’ internship. With their generous support, we can now offer 4 additional paid placements, as well as visits to their London and Manchester offices. Read more at LBB Online.
News
December 15, 2024
Intercity Student Challenge Semi-Finals
In December, VCCP mentors and members of the Alton Towers marketing team helped judge the semi-finals of the Intercity Student Challenge! 4 local sixth form colleges spent 8 weeks working in teams to create an advert for Alton Towers. The competition was fierce but 4 talented teams will now advance to the finals in March 2025! Good luck to all the winning teams!
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News
December 15, 2024
Intercity Student Challenge Semi-Finals
In December, VCCP mentors and members of the Alton Towers marketing team helped judge the semi-finals of the Intercity Student Challenge! 4 local sixth form colleges spent 8 weeks working in teams to create an advert for Alton Towers. The competition was fierce but 4 talented teams will now advance to the finals in March 2025! Good luck to all the winning teams!
News
December 1, 2024
Christmas Cards Fundraiser
This year, a team of amazing VCCP designers (2 from Stoke!) have created festive Christmas cards to raise money for our charity. Every penny raised will be an investment in reaching more local young people with our work experience programmes and breaking down more barriers.
News
December 1, 2024
Christmas Cards Fundraiser
This year, a team of amazing VCCP designers (2 from Stoke!) have created festive Christmas cards to raise money for our charity. Every penny raised will be an investment in reaching more local young people with our work experience programmes and breaking down more barriers.
News
October 15, 2024
Intercity Student Challenge 2024/2025
In October, we kicked off our 4th Intercity Student Challenge, an 8-week work experience programme for sixth form students in Stoke and North Staffordshire, that provides them with an intro to advertising. Our fantastic partner Alton Towers is back to support the students, be part of the judging panel and provide some exciting prizes!
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News
October 15, 2024
Intercity Student Challenge 2024/2025
In October, we kicked off our 4th Intercity Student Challenge, an 8-week work experience programme for sixth form students in Stoke and North Staffordshire, that provides them with an intro to advertising. Our fantastic partner Alton Towers is back to support the students, be part of the judging panel and provide some exciting prizes!