Trafalgar Entertainment Group Launches Apprenticeship Program for Rising Theatre Professionals

Trafalgar Entertainment Group (TEG) has today announced a pilot apprenticeship scheme aimed at helping young people break into the theatre and entertainment industry.

One of the technical apprenticeships will be based at TEG's main London home, Trafalgar Studios on Whitehall; the other will be with the events team at Stagecoach Theatre Arts, which was acquired by TEG in July.

The apprenticeships will be delivered in partnership with the National College Creative Industries (NCCI), which is dedicated to developing emerging talent in backstage skills and related sector needs, responding to the sector skills gap. The NCCI already works with an impressive list of entertainment industry employers, such as Royal Opera House, Live Nation, 02 and Royal Court Theatre, on delivering successful apprenticeships.

The newly approved Creative Venue Technician apprenticeship is a qualification designed for the industry by industry specialists, including Ambassador Theatre Group, National Theatre and White Light. Apprentices will learn how to provide technical support for the construction, rehearsal, presentation and removal of a live performance. NCCI has led the way, working with employers to ensure the qualification meets their needs.

The news came as Dame Rosemary Squire, TEG's Executive Chair and Joint CEO, delivered the keynote speech at the National College Creative Industries Graduation Ceremony 2018 in Thurrock today (Thursday 4 October), as the organisation's second cohort of students graduated.

At Ambassador Theatre Group, Rosemary, along with her husband and business partner, Sir Howard Panter, were responsible for green-lighting the company's award-winning technical apprenticeship programme and subsequent graduate scheme.

The Chair of NCCI's Board of Governors, Althea Efunshile CBE, said: "The National College Creative Industries is delighted to be working with Trafalgar Entertainment Group in setting up apprenticeships which will enable talented young people, regardless of their background, to start their careers in the industry with support from the best in the theatre world.

"It's part of the National College's vision to bridge the gap between world class creative industry employers and young people - providing young people with the technical skills to thrive in the exciting, dynamic world of production; and providing employers with the technical skills they need for success.

Rosemary said: "Howard and I have always believed in building creative skills for the future and growing a workforce from the grass roots up. It's therefore essential that employers offer unique training opportunities for young people wishing to pursue careers in the creative industries.

"We've always prided ourselves in discovering and nurturing new talent, both on and off the stage, and equipping them with the industry skills and knowledge needed to kick-start their careers. We did that at ATG and we hope to replicate that ethos and commitment at Trafalgar Entertainment Group.

"As we continue to expand the company, we hope that the announcement of these two new placements, in conjunction with the National College Creative Industries and aimed at training young people with skills suited to a 21st century technology-based workplace, is just the beginning of what we'll be able to offer up and coming industry talent in the future."

For more information and to apply for an apprenticeship placement with Trafalgar Entertainment Group, please contact Elaine Kelt on 0203 675 6750 or 07445 278716 or email elaine.kelt@creativeindustries.ac.uk

Apprenticeship dates to be confirmed by NCCI.

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