News

Bectu to offer second top London theatre bursary opportunity with The Old Vic

5 February 2020

Bectu has announced a second bursary opportunity with The Old Vic to be offered exclusively to ambitious 16-24 year olds attending the renowned industry careers fair on 7th February 2020.

The announcement makes The Old Vic the second theatre to offer a week’s work experience opportunity with support from a Bectu bursary at the careers fair, following news last month that a separate bursary will be available to apply for with English National Opera.

The week long placement at the Old Vic as part of studies will take place in October and the successful applicant will join other trainees on the theatres talent development scheme.

The successful applicant will take up a week’s work experience at their chosen renowned arts venue once finishing their studies at school or college.

Similarly to English National Opera opportunity, the successful applicant will gain broad insight into different areas of a top London theatre, both behind the scenes and front of house, discovering different roles and crafts.

Paula Lamont, Young Worker Project Organiser, said:

“We want to support young people not pursuing higher education in achieving their career aspirations.”

“By offering this high profile event, young people get essential face to face time with employers looking for the next generation in the UK’s burgeoning creative industries across media and entertainment.”

“By introducing our first ever bursaries with English National Opera and The Old Vic this year, we hope it will inspire young people to come along, find out more and network with the fantastic roster of employers attending.”

Bectu’s annual industry-led ‘Find Your Future’ careers event is completely free and offers young people aged between 16-24 the chance to discover trainee and apprenticeship opportunities working in film, theatre, TV and live events.

Centred around hosting big name employers in its buzzing marketplace atrium, the careers fair will also feature a series of panel discussions and speakers from across film, theatre, TV and live events, including the National Theatre, Channel 4, Rich Mix, Screen Skills, Film Fixer and DiVA Apprenticeships.

English National Opera’s Technical Director Matt Noddings has spoken on the need to broaden from traditional recruitment practices in the theatre and why it is vital that young people are brought into the exciting opportunities on offer to ensure opera doesn’t become a ‘fossilised art form’.

Each placement will be supported by a £200 bursary from Bectu to cover the costs of travel, food and new clothing requirements.

Find out more information about the day, including a schedule of events, and book for free.

Find Your Future takes place during National Apprenticeship Week on 7th February 2020 from 10am-3pm at Westminster Kingsway College, Kings Cross Centre, 211, Grays Inn Road London, WC1X 8RA.