Bloom Media 2026

Recruiting Now

Story Lab starts soon - apply before Monday 21 September 2026

Bloom media helped me to get to where I am now. An unconditional offer from Edinburgh College!

Ever wanted to make your own news feature, review or comedy sketch? Story Lab is back this October. It’s a fun employability project that gives young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to work as media professionals from day one. You will develop short features from idea to finished piece, then bring them together with the group for a live showcase at MacArts. All the workshops take place in Galashiels.

Make what you want

Drama and comedy sketches, documentary shorts, news reports, vox pops on the street, behind the scenes, explainers, reviews, weather updates, or music. Or bring your own ideas, we'd love to hear about them.

What you get

You will use professional equipment, take on real production roles, and work as part of a team to make something you are proud of. Previous participants say they learned great skills, grew in confidence, and made friends.

No experience needed

You do not need any skills, confidence or experience to apply, just an interest in the media and wider creative industries. Everyone starts somewhere, and our team is there to support you the
whole way through.

When I first came to Bloom, I was anxious about everything. I hardly spoke and I was too afraid to participate in a lot of stuff. But now, I feel like I’ve completely came out my shell. I’ve been eager to do more, to talk and express opinions. This whole project has made me feel much more confident and accepted

Led by industry professionals

Story Lab is led by Lisa Cowan, alongside Lisa McDonald and David Chipakupaku. They come from backgrounds in broadcast media, filmmaking, theatre and youth work. You will be learning from people who already work in the creative industries, in a friendly environment where you are treated as one of the crew.

Ready to apply?

Please read the guidance notes first.
Then apply HERE.

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Story Lab

Bloom Media Feedback

Bloom Media offers young people a direct step onto the ladder in one of the most competitive industries there is. It’s absolutely brilliant, a no-brainer.

Clive Myrie, BBC journalist and broadcaster

Bloom Media helped me to go into nerve-wracking and difficult situations with a lot more belief that what I’m producing is something to be proud of.

Young Person

Bloom Media provided me with some really valuable experiences for my CV but has also given me an insight into the media sector, allowing me to see if this is something that I would consider after university.

Young Person

Opportunities like this don’t appear often in the Borders, making it so vital to get involved whether you want a media career or you’re trying to figure out what you want to do in the future. I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunities provided by Bloom Media.

Young Person

I am astronomically more confident than when I applied. Bloom Media has changed my life in that it has given me an understanding of how to use my voice and make space for myself and my ideas.

Young Person

Bloom helped me pursue a media-focused career in the Borders thanks to the experience I gained. As a result, I started a Modern Apprenticeship in Digital Marketing. The project gave me the confidence to apply, and I learnt skills that I use every day for work and college.

Young Person

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