14 new jobs for young people in the local creative sector

The jobs have been created through the Northern Ireland Creative Employment Programme, an initiative established by the Arts Council and managed by Creative & Culture Skills in conjunction with the Department for Employment and Learning, which is designed to cultivate talent and provide fair access to job opportunities in the fast-growing creative sector.

The Arts Council announced that 12 employers have used the new programme to create 11 paid apprenticeships and three paid internships in areas such as technical theatre, music business, cultural heritage, community arts and live events.

Welcoming the creation of the new apprenticeship opportunities, Minister for Employment and Learning Dr Stephen Farry said: “The creative industries is a growing sector and is playing a leading role in helping to stimulate the Northern Ireland economy.

“These new apprenticeships are opening career opportunities in the creative sector for young people of all backgrounds and I wish the new apprentices every success in their future careers.”

“This is an excellent example of the ability of leading players in the creative sector working together to meet the skills needs of employers.

“The new apprenticeship system for NI puts employers firmly in the driving seat and has the potential to radically reform and improve the training and skills landscape in Northern Ireland for apprentices and employers.”