Creative Apprenticeship gives Vision for Future
26/10/2009
Barnard Castle Vision is helping a local youngster take her first steps towards a creative career.
Amberley Elliott, 21, has joined Barnard Castle Vision as its first ‘creative apprentice’, benefiting from ‘on-the-job’ training. As well as gaining extensive experience through working on a number of ongoing projects, Amberley is attending Gateshead College one day per fortnight and working to an NVQ Level 2 in Community Arts Management.
Amberley attended Teesdale School and Queen Elizabeth 6th Form College, before spending a year studying fashion at university in Preston. She said: “I am really excited about the opportunity to complete my creative apprenticeship with Barnard Castle Vision. I love living in Barnard Castle, and this apprenticeship will not only give me exceptional skills and experiences, but it also allows me to pursue a creative career in the heart of Teesdale.”
Sue Berresford, Regeneration Manager for Barnard Castle Vision, added: “The Creative Apprenticeship is an alternative route into a creative career, a chance to earn whilst gaining relevant experience and ideal for anyone interested in working in an artistic environment. Amberley’s confidence is growing quickly and she has already become involved with a number of Barnard Castle Vision’s projects. She will no doubt be a huge asset to the Vision team.”
In her spare time, Amberley enjoys knitting hats and bags, and customising clothes. She has previously run a stall selling her creations at Barnard Castle’s Woodland Festival.
The creative apprenticeship in Community Arts Management is one of six career paths available. The programme of apprenticeships, supported by Government, is designed to meet the needs of the creative and cultural sectors. It gives flexible work-based learning opportunities to those who wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to work in sectors such as music, theatre, and community arts. The apprentices learn valuable skills and obtain qualifications whilst earning a wage.
