The transformative power of apprenticeships | Programme Manager Anna takes a pause to celebrate the graduating class of 2021

Our Creative Apprenticeships programme Manager Anna reflects on the opportunity apprenticeships provide for both apprentice and employer as we wave goodbye to our latest cohort…

I have been teaching and managing Artswork’s Creative and Cultural Apprenticeships Programme for the last 9 years.

You won’t be surprised to hear that I am a great believer in this work-based learning solution to providing young people with routes into the creative Industries. I am also a great believer in the huge benefits of apprenticeships to arts and cultural organisations having seen many employers experience the impact of having youth voice in-house with fresh perspectives and viewpoints.

What I hope is unique about Artswork Apprenticeships is our investment in the individual. We are interested in the journey the young person makes from interview to successful completion and beyond. On their very first day I ask apprentices what their dream for the future is, what career they want, what inspires and excites them.

Sometimes they don’t know and many a time as we return to this question, the answer has changed and that is really the magic of an apprenticeship. Of course apprenticeships provide training in professionalism, industry skills and workplace confidence, but what they really embed is the ability to self reflect, effectively problem solve, and communicate dreams and ideas for the future.

While I sit and write this I sweep my mind over the wonderful young people who have completed apprenticeships with us and our network of supportive employers across the South Coast. Young people who transform from shy and anxious, to confident and competent creative and cultural professionals- acing interviews into new job roles or higher education. All due to their hard work and the very gentle steer of their employer and our Apprenticeships Team. It is such a privilege to witness and be a small part of their journey.

My hat is firmly raised to our recent graduating apprentices Harriet, Calvin, Harry, Fidelma and Megan who, amongst other achievements, are now all in full time employment, some with exciting new roles including – Marketing Coordinator, Assistant Producer and Learning Programme Lead. You can read about their apprenticeship experiences here.

I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of working with these apprentices  – bring on the next cohort!

If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, or an employer interested in supporting a young person to complete an apprenticeship, please email Anna at AnnaBrown@artswork.org.uk. 

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Apprenticeships Work-based learning Young people's blogs