The government has announced its support for a new, purpose-built apprenticeship framework for young people joining the creative and cultural industries with a £400,000 investment in prototyping schemes. A number of prestige employers will offer prototype apprenticeship places from the autumn, in advance of the UK-wide roll out of the Creative Apprenticeship in 2008, it said. The Creative Apprenticeship is being developed by Creative & Cultural Skills, the sector skills council for advertising, design, craft, cultural heritage, commercial music and the literary, visual and performing arts. The apprenticeship seeks to open new routes of entry to the creative and cultural industries and help to diversify the sectorÕs workforce. Among the employers who have agreed to take part in the prototyping scheme are EMI, Universal Music Group, UK Unsigned, The National Trust, Royal Opera House and the Sage, Gateshead. Up to 50 apprenticeship places will be offered from September 2006. Minister for skills, Phil Hope, said: :The government is committed to putting employers firmly in charge of the skills agenda for their sectors.”
