In an industry first initiative the events sector opened its doors to upcoming young talent in the Birmingham and Worcestershire areas with the ‘Get Into Events’ programme. A three-day training course run and hosted by youth charity The Prince’s Trust, in collaboration with specialist event crewing company Crewsaders and Hartlebury based creative communications DRPG, saw 12 candidates between the ages of 18 and 30 learn the ropes of the event crewing industry.
The young people come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all with one thing in common, a desire to expand their horizons and explore new career options. The ‘Get Into’ programme is a great way to offer training, insight and opportunities to young, unemployed people who otherwise might have struggled to kickstart their careers.
The course started with a theory day consisting of industry insight, soft communications skills and teamwork activities which was based out of The Prince’s Trust offices in Birmingham. The group was given a thorough overview of events, how Crewsaders operate as a company and the specific opportunities available working as crew within the events sector.
Wednesday’s practical skills day was hosted in the studios of DRPG where teams got hands-on experience and training based around rigging, staging, lights and sound system workshops designed to teach them the basics of set building.
The final day consisted of interviews with a view to secure employment with Crewsaders and a celebration event, where family and friends all gathered to acknowledge the successful completion of the programme. Candidates received certificates, awards and feedback on their performances over the course whilst sharing accounts of their experience over a celebratory lunch.
8 of the 12 candidates were successful in securing full time roles with Crewsaders and on Wednesday 21st August attended an enterprise and induction day. During this, all the candidates were helped to set up as self-employed and inducted into the company so they are fully prepared and ready to start their new careers in the events industry.
24-year-old Matthew Griffiths came to the programme through his volunteer work at the All Saints Youth Project and, having never considered a career in events, is now keen to get involved in the industry, “All the activities have been really engaging and fun. The first day set a good foundation and it was great to get some insight into what it would be like if we got jobs and hear about the perks of working in the industry such as working at festivals and gigs. All the hands-on stuff has been really fun, and it’s been great to see how everything works. I’ve met loads of people and they have all been really friendly and supportive, taking the time to explain things and talk to us. It’s been a really positive experience.”
Jeremy Berryman, Managing Director of Crewsaders, "As a pilot programme I couldn’t be prouder of the Crewsaders team and our partners in making this initiative such a huge success. We’ve wanted to deliver a local youth engagement and employability programme for some time, but to launch as an industry first alongside The Prince’s Trust and DRPG in Birmingham; the home of our flagship office, has made it just a touch more special.
“Looking ahead, apprenticeships and gateways into all aspects of the events industry is on the up and we can’t wait to see how this partnership will develop. We hope we can inspire other events professionals to consider partnering with incredible charities such at The Prince’s Trust, who do an incredible job in supporting young, unemployed stars of the future.”
Dewi Pritchard-Jones, Senior Head of Operations in the Central Region commented, “It’s been wonderful working with the Crewsaders team who did a brilliant job of delivering a really useful and enjoyable programme for the young people. Everyone who participated in the programme has been given and excellent insight into the events industry and valuable work experience. The Prince’s Trust is very grateful to Crewsaders and all our partners who help us turn around the lives of young people and support them to live, learn and earn.”
