This exciting new partnership, under the NCCI brand, will support the Government’s national colleges policy, and follows a consultation process involving staff from all three organisations, as well as stakeholders and external partners.

John Taylor, Managing Director of Access Creative College said: "We are passionate advocates for the creative sector and are proud to support employers and students across the country. Our existing national creative offer of music, events, games and media courses will now be amplified to unite apprentices and employers across the country in order to support the growth in the creative economy."

Angela O’Donoghue, Principal and Chief Executive of South Essex College said the partnership will allow the College to more efficiently meet the skills needs of the creative industries across the thriving Thames Gateway, and beyond.

She added: “With the creative industries sector employing over two million people in the UK and with projected growth of one million people in the next decade we are looking forward to working with NCCI Ltd to increase and enhance our creative industries provision.

“The move will expand South Essex College’s presence in Purfleet, where we have been running a costume construction degree programme since 2015, in collaboration with the Royal Opera House, at the High House Production Park and where we will take over the ownership and management of The Backstage Centre.”

Bryan Raven, Managing Director of White Light Ltd, and Board Member of NCCI Ltd said “NCCI Ltd is delighted to be launching this new venture with South Essex College and Access Creative College today, both of whom have excellent credentials within the creative industries sector and can help us achieve our vision on a local, regional and national level.”