The Stage

Government announces £1.3 million fund to create 200 culture jobs

Published Thursday 24 December 2009 at 13:21 by Alistair Smith

Young people looking to break into the creative industries are to be given a boost, after the government confirmed £1.3 million of funding to help create 200 new jobs in the sector.

They will be open to people aged 18-24, who have been claiming benefits, and will include posts such as theatre technician, costume and wardrobe assistant, community arts officer and business administrator. All will include a level of accredited training, mentoring and support in a bid to ensure that the young people are given the skills to progress.

Creative & Cultural Skills wil be working with Job Centre Plus and regional partners in England and Wales to administer the scheme.

Tom Bewick, chief executive of CCSkills, said: “A job in the creative and cultural industries remains an impossible dream for too many young people. And currently in the UK one in five young people under 25 are unemployed. Yet, we know that the creative sector is already driving economic recovery and is key to Britain’s future in which talent, wherever it may come from, will help drive innovation, enterprise and creativity.

“I’m delighted that ministers have listened and acted upon our calls. The new funding will help talented and creative young people, including those from some of our most deprived communities, break into the cultural sector. Crucially, it will help our industries develop a more diverse and better skilled workforce. Working with our National Skills Academy, we will roll out the scheme from early in the new year.”

Successful candidates will initially be offered a pre-apprenticeship job that will last for six months. During this period they will have the opportunity to undertake an Arts Award that recognises skills they develop during their employment. They will then move on to do a full apprenticeship, which will include on-the-job training and the opportunity to complete a variety of qualifications designed to help them in their future careers. All those taking part in the programme will be paid a wage that is at least equivalent to the national minimum wage.