Tag Archive: George Ploog

1. Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week at WL

   3 February 2020 13:49 Leave a Comment

   

   For almost a decade, WL has run an award-winning apprenticeship scheme in order to develop the next generation of industry talent. With today marking the start of National Apprenticeship Week, we’ve decided to take a look back at the scheme’s successes so far and how it has changed the lives of those who’ve taken part.  

   The WL Apprenticeship aims to nurture those embarking on a career in technical theatre. The apprenticeship is a Level 3 Creative Venue Technician course which is a combination of ‘on-site’ and ‘in-house’ training. Working alongside training provider the National College of Creative Industries, WL delivers specific training courses in order for those embarking on the apprenticeship to receive the necessary base skills and certification that is recognised and required in the industry. 

   The scheme is overseen by WL’s Health and Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls, who comments: “The scheme has been tailored to ensure it offers everything those wanting a technical career in the industry require. Whether it’s the preparation and maintenance of AV and lighting equipment, first-hand experience of working at some of London’s most prolific venues, along with training across all departments here at WL, they will receive a wide range of opportunities and skillsets that aren’t available elsewhere”. 

   

   As part of its commitment to developing the practical skills of its apprentices, WL works closely with its industry partners to offer exclusive on-site placements. The previous cohort worked at venues such as the Roundhouse, Coliseum and Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch. Christine Piper, Head of Production at Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, comments: “For the last couple of years, we’ve worked with WL to help facilitate their apprenticeship scheme, with the timing of the work placement coinciding with the rehearsal and tech period of our annual pantomime. This gives the apprentice an excellent opportunity to work on a show from the start of rehearsals to the opening. We get an extra pair of hands and they gain some vital experience”. 

   Every WL apprentice also works on the annual VAULT Festival, where they take part in the technical installation. Andy George, Head of Production at VAULT Festival, comments: “We love working with the apprentices. It’s an opportunity for us to pass on the exciting learning opportunity that the Festival is to people who really thrive and benefit from it. The apprentices form the core of the lighting crew we work with and without their passion, energy and support, the Festival wouldn’t be what it is”. 

   Last October, WL took on its latest batch of apprentices: George Ploog, Azaldean Mohammed, Charlie Russell-Teare and Jack Bass. It also widened its offering by creating two Business Administration Apprenticeships, which were awarded to Ellie Richards and Aalya Royal. These new apprenticeships give each candidate the opportunity to work in an office-based role and develop their skills as part of the Business Support and Marketing teams.    

   Since WL’s initial intake of four apprentices in 2011, the company has overseen 57 apprenticeships; with all of those who completed the course going on to work in the industry. Many are still employed by the company in various roles, including Dan Goodwin who was part of the first ever intake. In total, 8% of the company’s current workforce is made up of previous apprentices. 

   

   The past twelve months have been particularly significant for WL’s Apprenticeship scheme. At last year’s CC Skills Awards, the company was named Apprentice Employer of the Year whereas at the Merton Best Business Awards, Dominic Devereux (of the 2017 cohort) won Apprentice of the Year. These join the company’s previous accolades of CC Skills Best Apprentice Employer in 2012 along with Best Collaboration with Education Providers in 2014. 

   The company is currently looking for its next intake of apprenticeships under the CVT framework. The deadline to apply is 23^rd February 2020, with the aim to start in April 2020. Interested applicants should visit this link. WL is particularly keen to hear from individuals currently underrepresented in the industry, such as those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and lower socio-economic backgrounds. 

   Chris concludes: “We are really proud of our apprentice scheme and the careers it has forged so far. As a company, it’s allowed us to fulfil our passion to nurture the next generation and make sure they receive the best start possible in what’s a notoriously competitive industry. Looking ahead, we are excited to meet the next cohort and continue delivering an award-winning scheme we have now become renowned for”.  

2. White Light Takes On New Apprentice Cohort

   28 October 2019 11:34 Leave a Comment

   

   White Light has recently taken on its latest batch of apprentices; following a year in which the company received two separate awards for its apprenticeship scheme.

   As a company, WL is passionate about developing the next generation of talent. Since 2011, WL has overseen 57 apprenticeships, with all of those who have completed the course going on to work in the industry. The company has recently taken on four brand-new apprentices: George Ploog, Azaldean Mohammed, Charlie Russell-Teare and Jack Bass. All four started last month and will be undertaking the Creative Venue Technician Standard which WL helped create as a member of the trailblazer group.  

   WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls comments: “We’re really excited by this latest cohort. They’re a great bunch who all embody the WL values and have a strong desire to learn. They are also slightly older than previous cohorts as we are now able to offer apprenticeships to  people over 25. This means more opportunities for a wider group of people; something we’ve been able to offer for the first time this year”.

   The apprentices all came through via the annual Recruitment Day, during which time they met the WL team, spoke with the various technicians and underwent a range of practical tests. Following this, Chris and his team decided on the four most suitable candidates. All four have already been inducted by the National College of Creative Industries and started their rotations in WL’s technical workshops, as well as undergoing Manual Handling training. Over the next 18 months, they will continue to rotate through the company’s various departments and in its managed venues as well as working on-site on a range of different projects, before conducting their end point assessment. 

   

   One of this year’s successful candidates actually heard about the apprenticeship through another development scheme that WL supports. Chris explains: “Azaldean took part in the Kiln Theatre’s Production Arts Course which aims to diversify backstage roles in theatre. Our Managing Director Bryan Raven was heavily involved in the scheme, giving talks and presentations as well as offering a tour of WL. One of those who attended that tour was Azaldean who subsequently applied for the apprenticeship”.

   Azaldean comments: “I had been looking for a way to enter the industry for about a year now. The main thing for me is that I want to be gaining practical experience while learning. So when I heard Bryan talk about the apprenticeship, I just applied and was fortunate enough to be selected”.

   In a similar vein, Charlie undertook work experience at WL’s warehouse, which encouraged him to apply for the apprenticeship. He comments: “I was always interested in lighting but wasn’t aware you could get any official qualifications. My dad told me about WL so I applied to do some work experience. Once I was there, I heard about the apprenticeship and decided to just go for it”.

   Chris adds: “As a company, it’s not just about people coming through via the ‘traditional’ routes – it’s about us ensuring the right candidates receive the right opportunities they need to flourish”.

   

   This year’s four apprentices follow in the footsteps of the 2018 cohort who have almost completed their 18 months’ worth of training and are busy putting their developed skills to practice. Chris explains: “In terms of the previous group, Alfie and Sophie have now completed their placements. Sophie spent time at the Roundhouse and Alfie worked on The Crown for Netflix where he experienced life as part of a television production team.  Dan has begun a month at the London Coliseum and Nathan will soon be at the Hornchurch Theatre in Essex whilst they gear up for panto season”.

   This year marks a particularly significant one for WL’s apprentice scheme. Not only did the company win Employer of the Year at the Creative and Cultural Skills Awards but also won the Merton Best Business Awards Apprentice of the Year Award for Dominic Devereux. The cohort that Dominic was a part of (2017) are all still working at the company, in a variety of roles from Site Technician to Production Coordinator.

   Chris concludes: “Our apprentice scheme has two aims: to equip the next generation with the practical skills they need as well as ensure they have a prospective career path by the time they leave. The fact that 8% of our current workforce consists of previous apprentices shows just how successful the scheme is and how the programme allows them to progress within the industry. We are really excited to be working with the latest intake and seeing where their apprenticeships take them”.