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

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”.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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