Birmingham TV star backs apprenticeship scheme

Alison, who is currently playing The Magical Mermaid in Peter Pan at the Birmingham Hippodrome, said young learners Laura Gilbert and Tegan Payne have been so good, she didn’t even realise they were apprentices.

Tegan and Laura are on 18-month-long apprenticeships working as tech swings at the theatre after completing a three-month Creative Venue Technician Bootcamp training course at Solihull College & University Centre.

The bootcamps, funded by West Midlands Combined Authority, were co-designed with the Hippodrome to give young people the skills they need to embark on careers in the creative industries.

Alison and fellow Peter Pan cast member Matt Slack said it was important to help give young people a break in the industry.

Alison said: “I think it’s an incredible scheme, mainly because it allows people to get their foot in the door, it’s completely free and they get to learn from the best.

“There really are incredible people who work here and they are getting all that information, hands on experience. I’ll be honest with you, I didn’t even know they were apprentices! They were that good.

“I don’t think there’s enough of these sorts of opportunities nowadays. There was something similar when I was a kid.

“I was fortunate to be able to audition for the Central Television workshop, which they funded, so we got to learn all the techniques of acting and drama in theatre and TV. People used to come there and cast from it so I suppose it is the only similar thing.

“You’ve always got to help people up the ladder. One day, they might be the ones giving us our next job.”

Matt Slack said: “It’s incredible experiences what they are getting. This is the number one venue outside of London so they are very fortunate to be in their position which I’m sure they appreciate.

“You never know, one of these could be the next superstar, film star. They could be the next producer.”

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker said the bootcamps were important to help young people get well paid jobs and provide employers across all sectors with skilled people they need.

He said: “I’ve got some commitments about supporting young people and giving them opportunities to access skills that will give them really good jobs and I’m so pleased the two young apprentices here have done exactly that and are working on this fantastic production.

“They’re doing fantastically well and learning lots. Also, they are part of an important team. Productions such as this are a team effort and everyone has an important role but beyond that they’re really enjoying it.”