Culture& [Alliance member] has worked for the past 30 years to open up the arts and heritage sectors through work-based learning and public programmes. A flagship work-based learning programme has been the Skills for the Future schemes. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund over the past four years, Culture& trained 87 people from diverse backgrounds to start careers in the heritage sector. The scheme has been highly successful with a 99% completion rate and 80% retention in the sector and is one of the few work-based learning programmes in the UK focusing on diversity.
Culture& has secured Heritage Lottery Fund support to extend the scheme for a further two years. The New Museum School will build on a track record of creating high-quality opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds who want to start a career in the heritage sector. This time Culture& wants an even more radically diverse cohort of trainees.
The year-long work-based learning programme is a unique sandwich course structure that combines experience in the workplace along with continuous professional development, masterclasses and mentorship that will go towards an RQF diploma in cultural heritage. Partners in the New Museum School include English Heritage, National Trust, Southbank Centre, William Morris Gallery, Museum of Croydon and Brent Museum.