Ex-JLS pop star fronts new Sheffield course

Former JLS star JB Gill at Sheffield College where he was talking to students about his JB School of Entertainment course

The two-year full time vocational course equips young people with the skills, knowledge and know-how to become the business brains behind artists, musicians and performers, and develop careers as agents, managers, marketing directors and public relations advisors.

Students gain a recognised qualification, an Extended Diploma, equivalent to three A Levels, which covers theoretical and practical skills.

It is part of a portfolio of courses being developed at the College - to help address a skills shortage in the creative industries, highlighted as a sector for economic growth regionally by Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan for 2015 to 2025.

JB popped in this week to meet some of the first students and others considering the course next year, to share his tips and expertise about the business side of the entertainment industry. His X Factor band JLS sold more than 10 million records worldwide, including five UK number ones and made millions for him and band members Marvin Humes, Aston Merrygold and Oritsé Williams.

He’s still in showbusiness and will be one of 16 celebrities next month competing in Channel 4’s skiing reality challenge The Jump.