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City and Islington takes creative inspiration from ‘The Apprentice’!

Sir Alan Sugar won’t be firing anyone taking part in this apprenticeship programme, and there may be more than one winner, as City and Islington College aims to provide an enviable route to a dream career in music, events and the community arts.

City and Islington College have been chosen to develop the Creative and Cultural Apprenticeship programme, with employers, by Creative and Cultural Skills and Sector Skills Councils ensuring the right training and experience is provided to better equip 18-23 yr olds to secure a job.

Despite the existence of over 180,000 courses in this sector, 73% of employers say that applicants are coming through the system without the right skills, and there is a shortage of suitably skilled workers in this industry.

Starting in March, Apprentices will gain valuable work experience from companies such as EMI, Arcola Theatre, Rich Mix and Slammers of London.

The College has places for just 12 apprentices, offering a rare career opportunity;

• 12-15 months training and work experience with a creative organisation in one of the following professions;

• The Music Industry
• Live Events and Promotion
• Community Arts Management

• Gaining industry specific skills, such as acquiring business funding, providing stage management support at live events or supporting a music industry marketing campaign, gained through existing employment or a paid work placement - four days a week
• Gaining industry relevant knowledge and skills at the college - one day a week
• £100 a week minimum payment
• Achieving an industry accredited National Award and a certificate in Creative and Cultural Practice. 

Oyin Akiniyi, (Apprentice in the prototype programme) had a great experience, leading to a job as a Junior Project Manager at a music events company;

“I had an apprenticeship with Universal, Island Records. It’s great for getting a foothold and entry into the music industry and gaining more experience, and contacts. The apprenticeship worked very well when going for jobs, I knew more about the theory of the music industry through college study, plus I had the work experience, which gave me the edge over other people trying to get into the industry who didn’t have the knowledge.”