In 2010 - 2011, creative apprentices are joining the workforce of museums in Plymouth, Bristol and Wiltshire as part of a regional project to widen access to a career in the cultural heritage sector, funded by MLA, working through Creative and Cultural Skills and Renaissance South West.
What is a Creative Apprenticeship?
The Creative Apprenticeship is a brand new alternative route into the creative industries, one based on ability and potential rather than academic track record or social background and contacts.
It is a mix of on the job and off the job training where young people have the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge and attain qualifications while doing so. These qualifications are designed and approved by industry. On-the-job learning is a significant component of the Creative Apprenticeship allowing young people to break the vicious circle of "no experience equals no job".
The Creative Apprenticeship consists of a vocational qualification at level 2 or 3 and a theory based qualification at level 2 or 3. Key skills in Maths and English are embedded within the Creative Apprenticeship so apprentices can achieve Key skills certificates.
Apprentices can follow one of 5 pathways:
- Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations
- Community Arts Management
- Live Events & Promotion
- Music Business (Recording Industry)
- Technical Theatre (Rigging, Lighting & Sound)
- Costume & Wardrobe
To find out more about apprenticeships visit:
Creative Apprenticeships South West - involve your organisation
Apprentices are doing a real job for their employers. So we're keen to give the Apprentices the following opportunities:
- Sector wide experience: of different types and sizes.
- The chance to be involved in planning, monitoring, delivering and evaluating.
- Gain experience across a range of areas from audience development, fundraising, new media, cusomer care, retail, through to documentation and collections management / care.
- To involve apprentices in sector events - County network meetings, exhibition openings, special events, fundraising/ sponsorship and patron development events etc
We are looking to broker short term placements (of all kinds) in other SW organisations for our 11 apprentices.
How can I involve an Apprentice(s) in my organisation
In some cases the apprentices are under 18 so any planned placement might be subject to CRB checks for staff supervising/working closely with them.
The apprentices can travel quite widely as long as there's a reasonable public transport option (but we can look at tailored transport options according to need so do not let this stop you considering working with an apprentice/es).
If you would like to involve an apprentice(s) in your workplace over the coming year, please do not hesitate to email me at : eleanor.moore@bristol.gov.uk
Creative Apprenticeship grants
A further grant round for Creative Apprenticeships (your chance to bid for part-funding an apprenticeship's wages) is currently open and closes on May 14. To find out more visit www.mla.gov.uk.
For enquiries about Creative Apprenticeships South West email eleanor.moore@bristol.gov.uk