YouTube Invests £2 Million To Expand Partnership With NFTS and Grow Creative Skills Across the UK

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is delighted to announce a major expansion of its partnership with YouTube, backed by a £2 million investment over the next three years to grow skills, training and opportunities for creative talent across the UK.

The investment forms part of a wider £3 million commitment from YouTube to support the UK’s creator economy and screen industries and establishes YouTube as a key partner of the NFTS, significantly increasing the reach and scale of training delivered through the School. 

At the heart of the expanded partnership is a tenfold increase in capacity for the YouTube sponsored NFTS Creator Incubator, building on the success of the programme to date and extending it to further locations around the UK. 

The expanded partnership will also support skills development for people at different stages of their careers, from those looking for their first opportunity in the creative industries to established professionals seeking to adapt and develop their skills as the worlds of traditional screen production and creator-led entertainment increasingly converge. 

It builds on the success of initiatives including the fully funded Create x Connect programme, launched by the NFTS in partnership with YouTube and the BBC in January 2026, which supports the best of British talent in adapting, upskilling, and succeeding in a digital-first media environment.

Jon Wardle, Director of the National Film and Television School, added: “YouTube’s commitment represents a significant investment in the future of the UK’s creative workforce. We are incredibly proud £2 million will support the expansion of our partnership over the next three years, establishing YouTube as a key partner of the NFTS. As film, television and games increasingly converge with creator-led entertainment, this shift is opening up exciting new opportunities, but there is also a clear need for skills and training to evolve at the same pace.

By combining YouTube’s expertise in digital-first content and audience growth with the NFTS’ experience of delivering world-class, industry-led training, we can equip emerging and established talent with the practical skills, knowledge and networks they need to build sustainable careers.

Crucially, this expanded partnership will enable us to reach more people across the UK, whether they are taking their first steps into the industry, developing as creators or looking to adapt their skills for a rapidly changing landscape.”

Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Alison Lomax, YouTube UK Managing Director said: "The UK’s creative strength isn't confined to a single location - it thrives in every nation and region across the country. Through this £3 million commitment, we are democratising access to high-calibre digital skills, production tools and industry networks nationwide. 

By expanding opportunities across the UK, and bringing together YouTube’s expertise in digital-first storytelling and the creator economy with NFTS’ world-leading training, we will strengthen regional infrastructure, support high-skilled jobs and empower local creative talent to build thriving, sustainable careers and businesses in their own communities. As a key partner, YouTube is deeply committed to supporting the NFTS in designing and delivering world-class training programmes that empower the next generation of UK creators."

Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: "Talent is everywhere in the UK, but opportunity is not. I’m on a mission to change that. YouTube’s investment is supporting new talent and helping people build lasting careers in the creative sector regardless of where you live. 

With a target of 80% participants to be based out of London, its projects like this that will bring creative opportunities everywhere, strengthening our status as a global creative powerhouse."

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Find out more about the YouTube sponsored NFTS Creator Incubator course here: nfts.co.uk/creator-incubator-supported-youtube