Arts Management Apprenticeship

The Volcano Arts Management Apprenticeship is designed to identify and encourage individuals committed to a career in arts management in Wales and to offer them hands-on, specialised training. Successful applicants will be immersed in a professional work environment and mentored by one staff member who will provide guidance and support as needed.

The apprenticeship was piloted in 2003, and the first successful applicant was Emma Kirsopp, a 22-year old graduate in Cultural Criticism and English Literature from the University of Wales Cardiff. Emma completed a ten-week apprenticeship with the company, and you can read about her experience here. Immediately following her apprenticeship, Emma gained the position of Administrator with Diversions Dance Company. The scheme is being evaluated with the help of Arts Training Wales. After evaluation, Volcano intends to run the apprenticeship once a year and seek accreditation for the programme.

Training Methods and Assessment
The emphasis of the apprenticeship is on hands-on training. Work-based training methodology has been identified by the Arts Training Wales steering groups as a crucial way for young people to gain the knowledge and skills for a career in the industry. At the start of the programme, the successful applicant will be asked to complete a training needs analysis form, a learning styles questionnaire and produce written goals for the programme. A programme of work will then be drawn up with the General Manager reflecting the successful applicant's experience and career goals. Assessment and support is ongoing. Weekly meetings will be held to set week by week goals, measure success in the projects and offer support. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to attend external training courses. Courses will be chosen to complement the chosen work-based projects. They are dependant on availability and the experience and career goals of the apprentice.

Eligibility
A commitment to a career in an area of arts management and the ability to articulate clear goals for the apprenticeship. Highly motivated. 18+. A typical candidate will have, or be about to complete, a degree in a relevant discipline, but non-graduates will be considered if their applications are sufficiently strong in other respects.

Selection Process
Calls for applications will be posted on this website when the selection process opens each year. Applicants are asked to send a CV with covering letter in the first instance. Selected individuals will then be interviewed by Volcano Theatre Company's General Manager.

Queries
Queries about the apprenticeship should be addressed to Katie Keeler.