The learning curve

The first government-backed and industry-approved apprenticeship scheme for the creative and cultural sector has been developed by Creative & Cultural Skills (CCS). The scheme, launched by David Lammy, Minister for Skills, is to be piloted across the UK.
The apprenticeships will cover live events and promotion, music business, technical theatre, cultural and heritage venue operation and community arts. The Government aims to create half a million apprenticeships in the UK. CCS, which is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries, is looking to create 1,000 places, including nine supported by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council. Tom Bewick, Chief Executive of CCS, said that despite a large number of potential applicants for a relatively small number of jobs in the sector, there were key skills shortages: “56% of our employers tell us applicants lack the right skills. 1 in 10 say they lack the right qualifications… Frankly, there is a lack of being able to access the talent that they know is out there.”