Member Article

York business consortium eyes £15 million fund for creative apprenticeships

The City of York Council has organised a business consortium that is applying for a chunk of investment to create apprenticeships in the creative industries.

The £15 million Creative Employment fund from Arts Council England which the consortium is applying for is administered by Creative & Cultural Skills and designed to support the creation of traineeships, apprenticeships and paid internship opportunities for young people aged 16-24.

The programme provides part-wage grants to put towards the costs of a new apprentice or paid intern.

This can cover wage subsidies of between £1,500 - £3,000 for entry level roles in music, dance, theatre, literature, visual arts, contemporary craft, combined arts, galleries, circus, carnival arts, museums and libraries.

This includes all sizes and types of employers, supporting technical and sector specific roles as well as support roles in areas such as marketing, business administration, finance and HR.

Cllr James Alexander, Labour Leader of City of York Council said: “It is a priority of the council to support jobs and growth in York as well as keeping young talent in the city.

“This is a chance to provide real opportunities for young people who are interested in the arts and culture sector, offering them the greatest possible start to their career right here in York.

“The programme will help create realistic paid opportunities for young people ages 16-24, train the next creative generation and as the future workforce of this city and I would encourage creative businesses across the city to get involved.”

The consortium currently consists of 17 employers including libraries, galleries, theatre groups, museums and festivals who are looking to create around 20 internships and Apprenticeships for young people wanting to get into the creative and cultural sector.

Any other businesses who would like to be involved should get in contact by Thursday 24 July, however, there may be the option to be part of the consortium at a later date if an interest has been expressed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Clare Burnett .