Arts, Media and Publishing

Before setting up his own studio, Leonardo Da Vinci spent six years learning his craft as an Apprentice. More than 500 years later, Apprenticeships are still a great way to get your break in Arts, Media and Publishing.

CameraThe arts world covers everything from film to fashion, music to computer gaming. While it’s the artists and actors, musicians and models who take centre stage, they wouldn’t be there without armies of assistants and teams of technicians – just take a look at the number of crew members listed in the credits next time you watch a film.Media and publishing is even bigger business. Its changing fast as ‘old’ media – newspapers and magazines, TV and radio – takes on board the developments of ‘new’ media offered by the internet and mobile phone technology.

Imagination and a flair for English, art, music or a similar creative subject can help you succeed in the creative industries. But this is also a sector where passion and hard work will get you far.

Arts, Media and Publishing is a popular and competitive sector. It’s not easy to walk into your dream job in TV or the fashion industry, so an Apprenticeship can be a great way to get a foot in the door.

Don’t expect the red carpet treatment right away – long, often antisocial hours are not unusual, and the pay is often not great for junior staff. But the work is fun and fulfilling, and you’ll be working with interesting and creative people.

  • Creative and Digital Media

    The creative media industries are rapidly evolving and converging. New entrants will need to have an understanding of this convergence as well as general knowledge of the industries. Employers look for work-ready individuals who have good literacy and numeracy, strong IT skills and a good understanding of what it takes to work their way up in creative media – including the capacity to work hard, efficiently and in teams. Many roles require both technical and creative abilities.

    During the Apprenticeship you may be working as a production runner, a production assistant, a digital assistant, an assistant to the camera crew, an editing assistant or as a production secretary. You will develop an understanding of the end to end production cycle in relation to different platforms e.g. audio, visual, interactive and emerging technologies and post production, to different genres e.g. entertainment, drama, news, sport, children’s and in different formats e.g. live, studio and online.

    You and your employer will be able to tailor your Apprenticeship programme, selecting a combination of options including Production, Editing, Interactive Media, Audiovisual Journalism, Camerawork, Set Design and Photo Imaging.

    The aim for this new Apprenticeship is to develop digitally savvy and work-ready employees who are multi-skilled and can work cross-platform.

    The following providers offer this specialism:

    Hull College

    Grimsby Institute

  • Cultural & Heritage Venue Operations

    From helping to run a record label’s office or organising community arts, to managing costumes or running the box office, there are many opportunities in this Creative Apprenticeship.

    Specialist areas include: Technical Theatre, Music Marketing and Promotion, Live Events & Promotion, Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations, Community Arts Administration.

    In Live Events & Promotion, you would learn how to plan, promote and execute live events – this gives you the chance to be creative while testing your organisational skills.

    The Music Marketing pathway could see you working for a record label maintaining contracts, planning budgets, supporting marketing campaigns or working with A&R to find new acts.

    If you chose Community Arts Administration, you might work on projects to encourage participation in artistic activities to help improve people’s quality of life. The role is artistic and creative, but involves managerial elements.

    Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations could see you working in a local museum or theatre – you might provide customer service, organise events and exhibitions, or help maintain health and safety.

    In the Technical Theatre pathway, you might might install and operate sound and lighting equipment; as a Costume & Wardrobe apprentice, you could be responsible for producing and organising performers’ costumes.

    The following providers offer this specialism:

    Grimsby Institute