Martin Penny, principal from Stratford-upon-Avon College, with the college’s first two successful creative apprentices, Alice Dickens and Phillipa Clarke.

Two creative apprentices from Stratford-upon-Avon College have secured permanent positions within the creative and cultural sector.

Two students, Alice Dickens and Phillipa Clarke, completed their creative apprenticeship at the college whilst working at the Birmingham Hippodrome, an NSA member venue. Alice will continue working at the Birmingham Hippodrome and Phillipa will be joining Symphony Hall as their Assistant Front of House Manager.

Martin Penny, Principal at Stratford-upon-Avon College commented, “This is great news for the college and the NSA. It highlights the great achievement and ongoing work of the NSA, linking local employers with education. Many former students from the college have made a great impact in the creative and cultural sector, both offstage and onstage. Working as part of the National Skills Academy network gives us even greater access to an industry that is thriving and provides a significant financial contribution to the UK economy.”

Glen Ivison, Human Resources Manager at the Birmingham Hippodrome congratulated them on their success, “I am delighted that our apprentices have secured permanent roles which I am sure will be the start of two successful careers in the creative sector. Birmingham Hippodrome continues to be very supportive of creative apprenticeships.”

As a Founder College of The National Skills Academy for Creative & Cultural, Stratford-upon-Avon College is part of a network of industry specialists in theatre, opera, live music events, festivals, further education colleges and training providers working together to develop, improve and recognise skills - initially for ‘backstage’ and ‘offstage’ roles in theatre and live music events. The NSA provides services and standards for training and skills development, endorsed by industry employers and professionals. Stratford-upon-Avon College is one of 20 founder colleges across the UK. For more information visit www.nsa-ccskills.co.uk|

The NSA launched the Apprenticeship Training Service in March and is currently working with industry employers to secure 132 jobs through the future jobs fund bid. For further information on creative apprenticeships, please contact apprenticeships@ccskills.org.uk|.

For more information please contact marketing@stratford.ac.uk|.