Tag Archive: Technical Apprenticeships

1. White Light’s Apprenticeship Scheme – How to Apply

   8 March 2019 09:00 Leave a Comment

   

   As an organisation, we pride ourselves on our industry knowledge, personal service and high technical standards. We are also extremely 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 49 apprenticeships. Those who have completed the course have all gone on to work in the industry, whether it’s as Production Manager, Site Technician or Account Handlers. We also won Best Apprentice Employer in 2012 along with Best Collaboration with Education Providers in 2014 with Fairfield Halls and ATG; both at the Creative and Cultural Skills Awards. Later this year, we will once again be on the lookout for our next intake of Technical Apprentices and would like to encourage anyone interested to apply.

   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 along their training provider the National College of Creative Industries, WL will deliver 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 & Safety and Workforce Development Director Chris Nicholls. He 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”.

   Following on from its previous success, the Technical Apprentice Scheme will run again this year for an August/September intake. The company is encouraging a range of candidates to apply, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Following receipt of the applications, the WL team will draw up a shortlist of 16 candidates. These 16 will then be invited to a Recruitment Day in July at WL’s Wimbledon base where they will receive a full overview of the company. During this time, they will spend time with the various WL departments and undertake a practical test. This shortlist will then be narrowed down to four who will then be invited to join the WL Apprenticeship scheme.

   

   Chris explains: “Whilst we only have the capacity to take on four apprentices, we try to ensure we offer support and guidance to all of those shortlisted; whether this is offering them work experience, casual work or just sitting them down for a cup of tea and discussing their next steps”.

   Anyone interested in applying can do so via the WL Apprentice page. WL will be opening applications around May 2019.

   Chris concludes: “The fact that our Apprentice scheme has won awards, as well as allowed those who’ve undertaken it to have successful careers in the industry, just shows what an extremely valuable training scheme it is. We are looking forward to receiving the applications later this year and working with our latest intake of young, passionate technical apprentices”.

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: 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”.