Employers and apprentices benefited enormously from the Creative Apprenticeships programme 2009-11, the research study into scheme concludes.  The apprentices gained confidence, work-place and transferable skills, and attained a recognised qualification which in many cases led to further opportunities - either within culture or another chosen field.  For the museum employers, the chance to train an employee 'on the job' and to have a young, vibrant persective in the organisation were highly valued.

Another apprenticeship is now planned for Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, working once more in partnership with Plymouth College of Art as training provider, towards a qualification in Cultural Heritage Venue Operations or Commnuity Arts Management.   For more details including application deadline go to http://www.creative-choices.co.uk/jobs-opportunities

Thinking of hosting an apprenticeship?

Ian Brown of Plymouth College of Art is interested to hear from any other museums thinking of hosting an apprenticeship in 2012-13.  Employers need to pay at least the apprenticeship minimum wage of £2.60 per hour; most apprenticeships last around 18 months.  The Plymouth College of Art taught element of the apprenticeship is fully funded if your apprentice is aged 16-18, but some kind of part payment will be required if the apprentice is aged 19 – 24.  This taught element will involve one day per month face to face study, interspersed with weekly face to face or Skype sessions and access to on line resources.  

Prospective employers should note: as well as cultural sector apprenticeships, apprentices can also undertake a business skills for the Creative Industries apprenticeship at Plymouth College of Art.

For further details or an informal discussion please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Any museum committing to hosting either apprenticeship before the end of February 2012 will be entitled to fully funded training support  (supervisory skills, mentoring, coaching or other relevant subjects) for the staff who will work with or manage the apprentice, funded by Renaissance workforce development budgets.  If you have any questions about this support, or about previous Renaissance South West Creative Apprenticeship programmes and support, please contact Eleanor Moore This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it