Tag Archive: Technical Apprentices

1. 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”.

2. White Light’s Apprenticeship Scheme: Shortlisted for CC Skills Awards 2019

   7 March 2019 08:13 Leave a Comment

   

   Having run its Apprentice Scheme since 2011, White Light has overseen a total of 49 technical apprenticeships, with 6% of its current workforce made up of apprentices. Having previously been recognised at the CC Skills Awards as Best Apprentice Employer (2012) and Best Collaboration with Education Providers (2014), the company was now been shortlisted for Employer of the Year in 2019.

   First launched in 2012, the annual Creative & Cultural Skills Awards celebrate individuals and organisations who champion excellence in the creative industries. They shine a light on those who have shown an outstanding commitment to developing skills and learning in the creative industries, ensuring the next generation have the skills needed for the sector to continue to thrive.

   Simon Dancey, Creative & Cultural Skills CEO, said “This year we had a record number of nominations for our Awards, and the judges were blown away by the quality of the candidates. Seeing the vast range of talent across the UK, and the commitment shown by so many to building a skilled, representative future workforce, has confirmed to me the value of these awards. This is an opportunity for us to come together and celebrate the fantastic work being done by so many unsung heroes of the cultural sector.”

   WL has been shortlisted for Employer of the Year; a category that is new for 2019. The Employer of the Year Award celebrates a business, great or small, in the creative and cultural sector, who has shown innovation or continued commitment to developing the skills of its workforce. WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls comments: “Whilst we’re a company renowned for investing in the very latest technology, we’re just as well known for investing our people. Over the years, we’ve shown a continued commitment to pushing our apprentices, expanding their knowledge and ensuring they are fully equipped with the vital skills needed for their future careers”.

   

   WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls

   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; with the company being the first in the UK to follow this framework. Working alongside their training provider the National College of Creative Industries, WL delivers specific training courses in order for those undertaking the apprenticeship to receive the necessary base skills and certification that is recognised and required in the industry. Applications to apply for the Autumn intakes will open in May on the WL website.

   The other employers shortlisted for this year’s CC Skills Employer of the Year Award include Rubicon Dance, based in Cardiff, as well as the Skills and Training Team at Manchester International Festival.

   Chris concludes: “It’s fantastic to be shortlisted alongside such brilliant company. Similar to ourselves, each organisation is committed to nurturing the next generation of technicians. Ultimately, it’s these individuals who are the reason as to why we continue running our scheme year on year”.

    

3. White Light’s Apprenticeship Scheme: Where Are They Now?

   6 March 2019 10:12 Leave a Comment

   

   Since 2011, WL has overseen a total of 49 technical apprenticeships. Many of these are currently employed by the company, many still work with us on a freelance basis whereas others have gone on to pursue a range of technical roles within the industry. In this blog, we look back at the apprentices who have taken part in our scheme over the years and see where they are now.

   Dan Goodwin was part of WL’s first intake of apprentices back in 2011. Today, he still works at WL in the role of WL Venue Logistics Supervisor. He explains: “After finishing my studies, I spent around three years freelancing, which mainly involved lighting a touring show. And whilst I picked up a lot of ‘on the job’ skills, there was very little theory so my technical knowledge was limited. As a result, I undertook a WL Technical Apprenticeship where I was able to work within the majority of departments, such as rigging and moving lights. After my apprenticeship, I worked as a WL Demo Technician before moving onto WL Hire Contracts Administrator, WL Hire Co-ordinator before arriving at my current role as WL Venue Logistics Supervisor. My job now is to continuously improve and streamline the various request formats and procedures that come through our range of Managed Venues and it’s something I really enjoy”.

   Simon Arnold was part of the third intake of apprentices and is currently a WL Hire and Sales Co-ordinator. He explains: “From working at Twickenham Stadium as part of the Rugby World Cup to follow-spotting at the Roundhouse, the apprenticeship was a rocket which propelled me into the entertainment industry. Picking up recognised qualifications, managing myself to be on site on time and working with top level professionals meant I got both a grounding and a foot in the door. Now I work on the hire desk for WL, supporting existing projects, seeking out new enquiries and translating them into trucks of kit, delivered on time and to the high standard that our client base expects”.

   

   Another former apprentice still working for WL is Michael Tyler who is now a Site Technician and works across the UK on a range of projects. He comments: “The apprenticeship meant a lot as it gave me opportunities to work on events and projects that I wouldn’t have been able to anywhere else. It also gave me the skills and knowledge to immediately start my current role and hit the ground running”.

   Alfie Gunningham was part of the 2015 Apprentice intake and went on to co-found events company Nightstar Events. He comments: “During my time at WL, I partook in everything from Electrical Theory Training, to hands on experience at high profile venues and events. My apprenticeship was invaluable in giving me the skills I use day-to-day, working on live events across the country. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to grow as a person and climb the career ladder anywhere near as quickly as I have. Managing an events company at age 20 is something I would never have dreamed of doing so if anyone’s got a passion for the entertainment industry and wants to try something new then I would heartily recommend applying”.

   Alongside those who now have successful careers within the industry, there are currently seven apprentices based at WL. One of these is Zach Patel, who comments: “I’ve been an apprentice for just over a year and am now based in the Audio department. In my time here so far, I’ve gained lots of hands on experience as well as training and knowledge that will last me my career”. Another current apprentice is Nathan Cocker, who comments: “Undertaking the apprenticeship means you are earning a wage whilst gaining hands on experience in the industry. It also allows you to kickstart your career due to the industry contacts you meet”.

   

   Alongside Nathan as part of this year’s cohort is Sophie Gill who states: “It has been a really hands-on experience so far, and I’ve loved getting involved, especially if there is a challenge. Working in each department has allowed me to communicate with multiple people in the company and build good relationships whilst learning about what I love. Being sent out on site is also a great experience as we get to put our knowledge to the test and apply all of our acquired skills to help clients directly”.

   WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls, who oversees the apprenticeship scheme, comments: “We are extremely proud of our past apprentices who have all excelled and are now pursuing their own exciting careers which play to the strengths and skills they developed during their time here. We are equally proud of our current batch and look forward to seeing where their passion, ability and technical knowledge takes them in the future”.

    

4. White Light’s Apprenticeship Scheme: The Story So Far

   4 March 2019 13:57 Leave a Comment

   

   To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we will be posting a blog every day this week which focuses on our long-running apprenticeship scheme and the impact this has had on both past and current apprentices. Today, we’re reflecting on how successful the scheme has been so far and how we are now offering apprenticeships that go beyond the traditional technical training.

   As an organisation, we pride ourselves on our industry knowledge, personal service and high technical standards. We are equally passionate about developing the next generation of talent and a way in which we do this is through our annual apprenticeship scheme. Since 2011, we have overseen a total of 49 technical apprenticeships as well as winning Best Apprentice Employer in 2012, along with Best Collaboration with Education Providers in 2014 with Fairfield Halls and ATG at the Creative and Cultural Skills Awards.

   Now in its eighth year and with a fresh intake of apprentices, the scheme is as strong as ever and continues to be overseen by WL’s Health & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls. Chris comments: “Since 2011, we have fulfilled our commitment of taking on an average of six intakes per year, with each of these having their training based on the Technical Theatre framework (up until 2017). From our initial intake of four apprentices in 2011, several are still employed by the company in various roles including Event Site Technicians, Account Handlers, Advanced Installations Technicians, Crew Logistics and Supervisors in our Control Department. In fact, 6% of our workforce is made up of our current apprentices; a fact we’re very proud of”.

   

   The WL Apprenticeship aims to nurture those embarking on a career in technical theatre. The company is the first in the UK to offer the new level 3 Creative Venue Technician standard and WL was one of the employers who helped shape this standard.  The standard is a combination of ‘on-site’ and ‘in-house’ training as well as 20% ‘off the job’ training. Working alongside their 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.

   Chris explains: “For us, it’s vital that we offer our apprentices training that is going to be transferable to their future career. That’s why we provide a solid grounding in technical knowledge when they first join WL; rotating them between warehouse departments such as Moving Lights, LED, Systems and Control Rigging, Cables, Sound, Video and Audio, Operations and Technical Services. We then move them into our Site Technician team, allowing each one to work on various events such as the London Fashion Weeks, Covent Garden Christmas Lights as well as meetings and conferences in venues where we are the in-house technical supplier such as Central Hall Westminster and Claridge’s. It’s an experience they wouldn’t receive elsewhere and one which we’re extremely proud of”.

   WL has recently decided to widen its apprentice offering and give candidates the opportunity to work in an office-based role and be part of the two teams that support vital parts of the business. Two new roles will be Business Administration Apprenticeships who will train and develop their skills within the marketing and business support departments, as well as gain insight and experience in related finance areas. The first of these apprenticeships was given to Aayla Royal who will be based at WL’s Wimbledon base. The next successful candidate will start in mid-March.

   

   Sandra Tyler, WL’s Head of HR, comments: “With our technical apprenticeships proving so successful, we felt it was right to offer something that allowed candidates to experience the more administrative side of our industry. The aim of the Business Administration Apprenticeship is to enable those who take part to become highly trained individuals with practical experience gained in all aspects of our Business Support teams. We really look forward to working with Aayla and giving her hands-on experience and training she wouldn’t receive elsewhere”.

   Chris concludes: “The fact that our apprenticeship scheme has won awards, as well as allowed those who’ve undertaken it to have successful careers in our industry, shows what an extremely valuable training platform it is. We are committed to bringing through and training what will be the next generation and look forward to continuing the scheme for many years to come”.