National Apprenticeship Week brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals, businesses and the wider economy.
The theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2023 is ‘Skills for Life’. The week is host to reflections on how apprenticeships can help individuals develop the skills and knowledge required for a rewarding career and help businesses to develop a talented workforce that is equipped with skills for the future.
As part of National Apprenticeship Week, we hear from National Theatre, one of our EAB members, about the apprenticeship programme it delivers and how it creates ‘Skills for Life’.
How do apprenticeship programmes and initiatives delivered by National Theatre help young people develop their skills?
The NT’s Apprenticeships Scheme provides the opportunity to learn key skills and gain practical experience for a creative career, as well as transferable skills relevant to any future career path. The Apprenticeships scheme aims to open up creative careers and opportunities to young people who might not have otherwise considered a career in the creative industry or be aware of the multitude of roles involved in theatre.
What skills for life do apprenticeship schemes in the Creative Industries equip young people with?
All apprentices are supported by mentors from their department and the wider NT community and regularly work together on a specifically designed TheatreWorks programme to develop key skills to improve employability and confidence. Our apprentices’ experiences have allowed them to develop resilience, flexibility and resourcefulness to adapt to new situations.
How does your apprenticeship programme create a positive impact on your business?
Apprentices are embedded in the day-to-day existence of the National Theatre and have been involved in key moments on stage and beyond, from operating the Drum Revolve and creating props to working on Learning events and creating brochures. We need people of all different backgrounds who can bring different experiences and skills to the industry.
