Birmingham Hippodrome Adds Five Apprentices into Permanent Positions

Birmingham Hippodrome has just announced the appointment of five Apprentices into permanent roles since joining the Creative Apprenticeship Scheme three years ago.

Birmingham Hippodrome, a popular touring venue, was one of the first theatres in England to offer a Creative Apprenticeship Scheme. The theatre joined in 2009 working with Stratford-Upon-Avon College offering apprenticeships in Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations working front of house in the Customer Services Department whilst earning. Since then, the scheme has seen apprentices working in other areas of the theatre including Catering, Box Office and Technical.

Glen Ivison, HR Manager for Birmingham Hippodrome said "We have a great partnership with Stratford-Upon-Avon College who have an excellent reputation for training. In just three years of joining we have been able to employ all five Apprentices into permanent employment at the theatre."

Glen continued, "Currently we have two active Apprentices in our Technical and Customer Service Departments. We hope that in the future we will be able to extend the scheme to all areas of the theatre."

Grace Morgan, from Bartley Green now works permanently in the theatre's Box Office following her success on the Level 2 Apprenticeship in Customer Services, Grace said "I have really enjoyed the apprenticeship scheme, it has given me the chance to learn, earn a salary as well as progress within a large company where I am constantly able to develop my skills."

The theatre's Creative Apprenticeship Scheme is part of the government initiative through Creative and Cultural Skills. It provides students with the opportunity to work in one of the UK's largest theatres. Students are trained in all aspects of venue operations whilst working alongside trainers from Stratford-upon-Avon College. The scheme operates for one year and ensures students achieve at least Level 2 national Award Creative Apprenticeships.

Birmingham Hippodrome's Creative Apprenticeship Scheme is currently full, but information about the scheme can be obtained via the theatre's website www.birminghamhippodrome.com or go to the government's Creative and Cultural Skills website www.ccskills.org.uk.