Spoiler: One shoot. Seven phases. The end result – a compete library of binge‑worthy assets that pull learners in and keep them motivated, while proving the value of your work in action.
The Secret: A Fluent approach to content creation combined with the ENGAGE framework – which we introduce below.
Fluent Media specialise in not just documenting student and learner journeys on film- but involving them in the production process to ensure they deliver the most impactful message within each piece of content you need created. We edit footage into binge‑worthy micro‑content helping you attract stronger candidates, reduce drop‑outs, and boost completion- proving your approach leads to meaningful change.
The video below documents our work with Camden Learning, capturing students on work placements at Google, Astra Zeneca and British Land. Click here for the full case study and to watch shorter edits targeted at students and future employers.
The Early Careers Challenge in Numbers
Statistics on apprenticeships published by UK gov in 2025 state that:
- In 2023/24 there were 339,600 apprenticeship starts in England, but only 178,200 completions, giving an achievement rate of just 52% (an implied 48% drop‑out).
- Employers still report critical skills gaps, showing that attraction and retention are two different battles.
- Gen Z applicants vet employers on culture first; 82% say purpose matters more than starting salary (LinkedIn Gen Z survey, 2024).
- Learners with a learning difficulty/disability rose from 10.3% in 2016/17 to 15.6% in 2023/24.
- Starts concentrated in four areas: Business, Administration & Law (28%); Health, Public Services & Care (27%); Engineering & Manufacturing (14%); Retail & Commercial Enterprise (9%)
- The proportion of BAME starters increased from 12.3% (2016/17) to 17.3% (2023/24).
- 48% of starters are 25 +, busting the myth that apprenticeships are only for school‑leavers.
Introducing ENGAGE: A 7‑phase content production cycle built for modern L&D
The ENGAGE cycle has been repurposed for apprenticeship, work experience and training providers, following our work alongside schools and academies. Think of it as your own portable media studio and marketing engine:
| Phase | What we create | Example output |
| E — Explore | Designing a strategy and content plan that meets your unique goals involves surveys and initial interviews with different stakeholders. We’ll identify what learners aspire too and love most about your program as well as their misconceptions, pain‑points and challenges. | Authentic sound‑bites and problem statements that hook capture attention and show the need. See examples. |
| N — Narrative | 30-60 minute interviews with instructors, hiring managers, students on your program or alumni will help us define a narrative that unique to your business or organisation. | Once transcribed, we pick out the best quotes and edit down to short form videos. End result: A library of human stories ready for lesson intros and social teasers. See examples. |
| G — Generate | Map the best stories to each stage of the curriculum; resulting in a crystal‑clear content plan tied to your student recruitment, engagement and learning objectives. | Short form content/reels – pre application, onboarding, midpoint, graduation, ‘6 months later’. |
| A — Asset Capture | Book a day in the studio, or one day filming on location. We can record multiple interviews in one day. instructor master‑class. B‑roll + screen demos can be included in post production. | High‑quality raw video and audio capture. |
| G — Granular Editing | Create a library of content. Slice long footage into micro‑lessons, vertical reels, podcast episodes, GIFs. | 20–30 platform‑specific assets from a single day’s shoot. See examples. |
| E — Engineered Distribution | Organic Pixel™ cadence across LMS, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, email newsletter. | Calendarised content planning. Algorithms trained to surface your content to the right eyeballs-no ad spend. |
Why This Works
- Learner-centric stories beat abstract theory. Motivation increases when trainees see peers working towards similar goals, or facing the same challenges.
- Content-multiplier economics. One carefully planned production day can result in a library of assets.
- Algorithm alignment. Organic Pixel tactics emulate results you’d expect from a paid-ad campaign, but with authentic stories.
- Data-driven iteration. By grafting onto ADDIE/Kirkpatrick metrics, the cycle keeps both L&D and marketing teams speaking the same ROI language.
Case Study – Richmond Park Academy
Prior to producing this film for Richmond Park Academy, we delivered a series of workshops for students exploring what the values the school stood for meant to them personally, and provided opportunities for specific pupils to shadow crew throughout the production process. Read the full case study here.
Implementation Roadmap (example)
| Week | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 0 | Blueprint Workshop & KPI agreement |
| 1 | Narrative interviews & learner survey |
| 2 | Shoot day (studio or remote) |
| 3 | First batch of micro-lessons goes live; if content for marketing is required, we’ll start it’s promotion – or show you how to reach your target audience – without paid ads |
| 5 | Mid-cycle review; refine hooks & thumbnails |
| 8 | Full KPI report; plan next ENGAGE sprint |
Lets Get Started
Fluent Media can facilitate the first ENGAGE sprint or hand over the playbook for your in-house team.
contact us on info@fluentmedia.co.uk or schedule a 30min discovery call here. https://calendly.com/matt-fluentmedia/30min
