Unleashing Wales' talent!
We have been listening to organisations in our sector telling us about the technical and professional skills they need, and about jobs which are difficult to fill despite the large number of graduates with creative degrees entering the jobs market.
This is why the Creative Apprenticeship was launched in Wales, as a new and alternative route into the sector. The Creative Apprenticeship is an alternative way of recruiting into roles which require specialist skills learned on the job, such as theatre technician and front of house assistant. With fully-funded training, and support from local training providers, a Creative Apprentice can make a key contribution to your organisation.
Recruiting this way also gives you access to talent you wouldn’t ordinarily find. A Creative Apprenticeship lets candidates who cannot afford to do unpaid work experience placements to get jobs in the industry. You could be giving someone a crucial first step into a skilled and rewarding career.
Why did we introduce Creative Apprenticeships?
Creative Apprenticeships provide, for the first time, high quality, paid, work-based qualifications at entry and supervisory levels (Level 2 and Level 3) in technical and specialist skills areas where 42% of Welsh Creative and Cultural sector employers have identified current and future skill needs.
Find out about skills needs in Wales
The apprenticeships will also widen entry to the workforce, by providing a vocational pathway that will be attractive to talented people as an alternative to academic entry routes. Ultimately that means our industries will increase their contribution to the Welsh economy and quality of life.
What apprenticeships are available?
In July 2010, employers across Wales began to recruit Creative Apprentices in the following disciplines according to the following regions of Wales:
Technical Theatre Support & Technical Theatre ( Sound, Light & Stage)
- SE & SW Wales- Gorseinon College
- NE & NW Wales- Coleg Menai
Theatre Support Costume & Wardrobe & Theatre Operations Costume and Wardrobe
- SE&SW Wales- Coleg Morgannwg
Cultural Venue Operations
- SE &SW Wales - Cardiff & Vale College
- NE & NW Wales- Coleg Menai
Community Arts Administration & Community Arts Management
- SE & SW Wales- Bridgend College
Live Events and Promotions
- NE & NW Wales- Coleg Menai
- SE & SW Wales - Cardiff & Vale College
Creative Apprenticeships were launched in Wales through the Sector Priority Fund Pilot (SPFP) using funds from Welsh Government and the European Social Fund.
Find out more about the Welsh European Funding Office
More information
Just some of the benefits for employers
- An Apprentice can help build your business as a loyal member of staff
- Apprentices have been proven to increase business productivity
- Taking on an Apprentice is a tangible commitment to developing your workforce
- An Apprentice offers a new voice and a fresh perspective, helping to broaden the reach of your audience and build a better workforce
- An Apprentice can help build links with regional partners and your local community.
Some of the benefits for apprentices
- Get on-the-job training, study for a nationally recognised qualification and earn money while you learn
- Combine the hands-on experience of working with the qualifications you'll gain by studying, for the best of both worlds.
- Creative Apprenticeships offer an alternative route into the creative industries. They are based on ability and potential rather than qualifications, social background or who you know. They aim to break the vicious circle of ‘no experience equals no job’.
- Embarking on a Creative Apprenticeship will be challenging and exciting.
