Vacancy overview

Vacancy Design Futures Graphic Design Programme
Employer LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures through Technology)
Vacancy type Courses
Reference number Des10619
Form of employment Full Time
Salary / Rate Not specified
Hours Not specified
Published 15/07/2026
Closing date 17/08/2026

Description

To apply for this role please read full instructions below – you must upload a copy of your CV and answer 3 application questions and upload a PDF image to be considered. Any incomplete applications will not be considered. You must be a resident of a LIFT borough (Camden, Hackney or Islington) to apply for this role – proof of address will be required before interview stage.

Graphic Design skills and live brief course leading to paid industry placements.

Design Futures is a programme from LIFT and Capital City College's for talented creatives who are ready to take their next steps into work.

The programme has been developed to provide practical work experience and skills training supported by industry professionals, where you will work on real briefs, learn core skills and work with a team on an industry project. After completing the training programme participants will be interviewed for design internships within local businesses.

Duties

What will you gain from the Design Futures Programme?

Course dates: 7 September - 2 October 2026. This is a full-time course Monday-Friday 10am-4pm.
  • 4-week, full-time course from Capital City College delivered by industry professionals, where you will learn the skills, behaviours and processes required to deliver a creative idea that is fit for purpose.
  • Work on briefs set by local design agencies and creative businesses, receive feedback and advice and develop your portfolio.
  • The opportunity to work on team projects and develop your skills and network.
  • Develop your employability skills to take your job search to the next stage.
  • Following successful completion of the course, gain interviews for paid industry placements within local design agencies.
  • If successful in gaining an industry internship you will begin a full time 10-week internship where you will work five days a week in the business and spend five further days over the 10-week internship developing your employability skills. Paid at London Living Wage (£14.80 Per hour – 35 hours per week total)
The course will cover the following practical skills:
  • The anatomy of a brief
  • Brand guidelines
  • Good design practice
  • Live briefs & visits
  • Ideation
  • Presenting and pitching
  • Industry experience
  • Skills development
  • Networking
  • Portfolio
  • Employability support

Essential criteria

Programme Entry requirements:
  • A resident of a LIFT borough (Camden, Hackney or Islington) aged 19+
  • Able to attend a full-time course 7 September - 2 October (Monday-Friday)
  • We encourage applications from people underrepresented in the creative industries, including people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, young people aged 19-25, and disabled people.

All participants will need to have the following starting points:
  • A working understanding of graphic design principles and the design process, gained through study, self-directed practice, or paid or voluntary design work (less than 2 years' experience).
  • Experience of using creative software programmes including Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Can include equivalent design and digital creation software but not solely online platforms such as Canva.
  • Have a clear command of English and be able to write and communicate in English
  • The course will be delivered on Apple Mac computers – you must be able to use one of these to join the course.
  • Be able to navigate software menu systems and be willing to use problem-solving techniques.
  • Have experience of using digital office software such as Microsoft Office, Google Docs or similar.
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Be able to attend all sessions on the dates specified.

Additional information

Join our online information session on 4 August 12:00-13:00 to find out more about the programme, ask questions and find out what we're looking for in a strong application https://luma.com/107d9c6n  

For more information or help with your application 

If you are having any difficulties, would like to submit your application in an alternative format or would like support with your application, please contact lift.futures@islington.gov.uk to be connected to the LIFT Employment Outreach Officer in your borough.

How to apply

To apply for this role, you need to follow the steps below.

Step 1: To apply, please follow the link below to the LIFT Opportunities Portal, and click the ‘Apply’ button. You will need to register for an account or log in.

Step 2: Upload a copy of your CV

Step 3: Answer 3 application questions (below) and enter these into the ‘Supporting Statement’ box. Respond to the three questions below, don’t over think it!

Step 4: Upload a PDF of 1 portfolio image to ‘Supporting Documents’ and select this under Additional Documents.

Submit your application!

Please read all application instructions below carefully before submitting your application. To be considered for Design Futures, all sections of the application form must be completed and all requested documents must be submitted. Unfortunately, we will be unable to assess applications that are incomplete, missing information, or do not follow the submission requirements.

We encourage applicants to take their time and provide thoughtful, genuine responses. While you may use AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Copilot) to help structure your answers, your application should reflect your own experiences, interests, motivations and voice. We want to learn about you, your creativity and your potential. Applications that appear overly generic or do not clearly demonstrate your personal thoughts and experience may be less competitive.


Application Details

Motivation for Applying


1. Why do you want to join Design Futures, and what do you hope to gain from the programme?


Tell us about your interest in graphic design, including:

  • What inspired your interest in design.
  • Your career goals or aspirations.
  • Skills or experience you want to develop.
  • How the programme and internship could support your future career.

Software Experience

2. List any design software you can use confidently.


You should be able to:

  • Navigate the software independently.
  • Use basic tools and features.
  • Create, edit, and save files.


Additional Support Requirements

3. Let us know about any learning needs, disabilities, health conditions, or other support requirements.

Please include:

  • Any reasonable adjustments you may need.
  • Accessibility tools or learning support you use.
  • Anything else that would help us support you during the programme.


Portfolio Submission

4. Upload one PDF containing:

One image or design piece you created using graphic design software (e.g. Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Figma).

A short explanation (up to 200 words) covering:

  • What the project is.
  • Which software you used.
  • Why you chose it.
  • What makes you proud of it.

We’re not looking for perfect work. We want to see your creativity, interest in design, and willingness to learn. This could be a college project, personal project, poster, social media graphic, illustration, branding concept, or any other design work that reflects your passion for graphic design.

Documents

  • No documents available
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