Lancashire County Council is helping young people who are out of work to get jobs in the arts and cultural sector.
There are currently positions available on the Creative Employment Programme, while others will be open later in the year.
Young people aged between 16 and 24 can benefit from opportunities at 18 different organisations across Lancashire, including Blackpool and Blackburn with Darwen, targeted in areas of high youth unemployment.
The programme supports formal apprenticeships and paid internships for young unemployed people aged 16 to 24, who want to pursue a career in the arts and cultural sector. Apprentices will receive training, gain vital workplace experience and new skills, as well as a nationally recognised vocational qualification based on their progress.
To apply for an apprenticeship you must be currently unemployed and aged 16 to 24. For internships you must be currently registered as unemployed, claiming a related benefit and aged 18 to 24.
County Councillor Jennifer Mein, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “By helping these young people to learn new skills and gain experience, we’re improving their job prospects in the future.
“This programme shows just what can be achieved when arts organisations and councils work together in an innovative way. We’re pleased that some of these vacancies have already been filled, which is directly helping young people into work.
“The creative industries are thriving in Lancashire. It’s vital that we all work together to help create opportunities in this sector for our young people.”
The county council joined forces with the arts organisation Cu! rious Minds and other leading cultural organisations across the county to secure the funding from the Creative Employment Programme. The programme provides a contribution of between £1,500 and £2,500 towards the young person’s wages.
The programme is possible thanks to a successful bid for almost £75,000 of National Lottery funding from Arts Council England, as well as £16,000 from Lancashire County Council’s economic development department, Lancashire County Developments Limited.
If you’re interested in finding out more, for an informal chat about these creative positions and your options, speak to Rachel Holden on 01772 536 152.
For more details, visit
www.creativelancashire.org/html/CreativeEmploymentProgramme_1400.html
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