V&A - Apprenticeships case study
- Sector: Public Cultural Heritage
- Address: V&A Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2RL
- Apprenticeship Manager: Pat McCann
Background
The V&A at South Kensington is the world's greatest museum of art and design. Its collections are unrivalled in their scope and diversity, and comprises 3000 years' worth of amazing and culturally and historically rich artefacts including ceramics, furniture, fashion, glass, jewellery, metalwork, photographs, sculpture, textiles and paintings.
As a renowned institution at the forefront of the cultural heritage sector, the V&A is keen to develop the skills of those working in the arts. To do so, it has partnered with Kensington and Cheslea College to deliver the Creative and Culture Apprenticeship Programme to employees of several well known arts organisations.
Among those taking part in the Apprenticeship Programme being delivered at the V&A's Cultural Heritage Assessment Centre are employees from Orleans House Gallery, Surrey History Centre, Historic Royal Palaces, Whitechapel Gallery, The Lightbox and The Verulamium Museum. All Apprentices taking part in the Apprenticeship Programme receive a nationally recognised work-based qualification.
Benefits of the Apprenticeship Scheme
Pat McCann, NVQ Manager at The V&A Museum says:
'As an employer, one of the easiest things you can do to boost the skills set of employees and increase the productivity of your organisation is to invest in training your staff through an Apprenticeship Programme.'
'Apprentices can often transform, for the better, the culture and workforce in an organisation. The apprentices involved with our Creative and Cultural Apprenticeships have all been given an introduction to the cultural heritage sector, as they do not have sector related experience.'
'The apprentices have contributed to the business in a positive way and are full of ideas. The programme is also a great way to network with those in the industry and share ideas which could be put into practice in the work place.'
'Kensington and Chelsea College has been very supportive and, we have developed a very good working partnership with the College. We hope to take on more as they are the future employees who will be working within the cultural heritage sector and a great role model for the up and coming generation.'
Creative and Culture Apprenticeship Programme: What do the apprentices think of it?
'The opportunity I have been given is brilliant. I enjoy working in the art industry and I have more recently picked up an interest in museums that I had not had before working for Orleans House. I believe that the collaboration between the college and the V&A is great, and works very well. I wouldn't have had the chance otherwise.'
Christopher Burton from Orleans House Gallery
'I think it is a great opportunity to gain experience in heritage and I have enjoyed learning about the creative sector. Furthermore I have enjoyed visiting the V&A as it gives me a chance to experience the museum and learn from it'
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Owen Dixon from Surrey History Centre
'I am happy with the course so far. It has really opened my eyes to a career I didn't think existed. It has also opened my eyes to pursuing a career in the heritage sector.'
Dan Hawkins from Historic Royal Palaces
'I think it's a brilliant course, and a much better alternative to traditional college or university study. So far being in the workplace has been great. I'm getting all the experience I want and need. I also like how I'm not the only apprentice within my organisation. This means bonding with others and finding out about others' experiences.'
Fouad Halawi from Historic Royal Palaces
'The course is helpful and clear. I'm learning a great deal. The course has exceeded my expectations.'
Theo Deboick from Whitechapel Gallery
'I think this course is great for me and is giving me the experiences needed for any creative jobs. It has shown me that I really want to continue working in galleries and museums. Coming to the V&A is giving us more opportunities and showing us different paths we can go down. Everyone is very friendly and helpful'
Jennifer Susan Webb from The Lightbox
