Creative Apprenticeships are 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, which are designed and approved by industry, while doing so. The latest opportunities are offered by Wiltshire Heritage, to gain experience of working in a museum/cultural setting, and the closing date for applications is 10th March.

For full details of the Creative Apprenticeships offered by Wiltshire Heritage see - www.wiltshireheritage.org.uk/news/?Action=8&id=97&home=1

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. 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".

Wiltshire Heritage are offering a Creative Apprenticeship in Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations.

This is an opportunity to develop your skills and experience by working as part of a small team in a busy museum with a national reputation. You will be involved in all aspects of the museum and its library, helping to run and organise a range of events. You will also be working with the collections and developing your ICT skills.

During the next year, we will be working on exciting plans for new exhibition galleries, and a range of special exhibitions.

Completion of the apprenticeship could lead to...
• A period of working in the same role and the development of additional skills either at a higher level or at the same level
• Sideways development into a different role, without the achievement of formal qualifications such as NVQs
• Entry onto the Creative Apprenticeship Advanced Apprenticeship
Continuing development of skills and qualifications opportunities...
• Higher level qualifications or NVQs, for example in Management
• HNCs/HNDs
• Foundation degrees in the Creative & Cultural Sectors
• BA Honours Degrees in Creative & Cultural subjects
• In-house development programmes or CPD with your employer.

Creative Apprentices are not limited to young people up to age 18 – training provision is normally funded by the Learning & Skills Council which currently funds young people up to age 24. Creative Apprenticeships are designed for people who have not yet attained Level 2 (GCSE) or Level 3 (A Level equivalent) qualifications.

The closing date for applications for the Wiltshire Heritage opportunities is Wednesday 10 March. Interviews Tuesaday 16 March.

Background - Unleashing the talent!
"Taking the young talent of this nation and turning it into what we know will be the economic engine of this nation is the most important obligation we've got." — Roy Clare CBE, Chief Executive, Museums, Libraries & Archives Council (MLA)

Launched officially in September 2008, the Creative Apprenticeships is the first industry approved and government funded apprenticeship framework for the creative and cultural industries. For too many talented young people, getting a start in the creative and cultural industries is not an option. Part of the problem lies in the qualifications that are designed for these careers. The rising cost of degree courses means that the decision to study cannot be taken lightly. Especially when 73% of our employers say that graduates still lack the right skills or creative and entrepreneurial flair.

A culture of unpaid work experience dominates the creative and cultural industries. For employers, someone with relevant on-the-job experience is more valuable than an untested graduate. This discriminates against those who cannot afford to work for free and the impact is significant. Demographically, the sector is 95% white and 65% male. Creative & Cultural Skills are actively challenging this complacency and creating better choices for more people.

Creative Apprenticeship pathways (leading to the achievement of the vocational qualification) will be offered in the following areas:
- Live Events & Promotion
- Music Business (Recording Industry)
- Technical Theatre (Rigging, Lighting & Sound)
- Costume & Wardrobe
- Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations
- Community Arts Management

For more general information on the Creative Apprenticeship scheme see www.ccskills.org.uk