Taking on an apprentice is more than just gaining an extra pair of helping hands within your organisation – it directly contributes to sustaining culture, which is everything the Association for Cultural Enterprises stands for.
In this article our very own Charlotte McArdle shares her experience as a Business Administration Apprentice with the Association, which has now led to a permanent role as Finance and Administration Assistant.
Read on to discover why taking on an apprentice will introduce new energy, perspectives and skills to your organisation, as well as creating future innovative and multiskilled leaders for the cultural sector.
I started my Business Administration Apprenticeship with the Association for Cultural Enterprises in late October 2024. I was completely fresh to the cultural sector, with my prior experience in an entirely different industry. At first it seemed nerve-wracking, starting in a new sector, a completely new role and even in a different form of employment. However, I soon came to understand what a collaborative and insightful sector I had entered. All my colleagues here at the Association have invested time in my training and sharing their expertise, so much so that by my third day I was already starting to manage communications between our members and stakeholders.
Eighteen months on, I have gained numerous skills and acquired a wealth of organisational and sector knowledge that will last a lifetime. My mentors and line manager were eager to build and refine my skills, to help set me up for utmost success. Even in my short time here, I have collaborated across all departments including assisting the Events Team, aiding in finance related tasks, supporting in our annual Conference and Trade Show alongside embracing a range of broad range of responsibilities.
Thanks to all the support from the Team, I am on track to finish my apprenticeship much earlier than expected and I feel confident enough in my skills to become a well-rounded business and finance administrator.
Crafting a Career in Culture
The ultimate question for those looking into becoming an apprentice in the cultural sector is why become an apprentice? I can give a few substantial reasons!
- You’ll be part of a vibrant and collaborative sector
- You will be contributing to preserving and shaping culture
- You will gain valuable skills and hands on experience that open doors into diverse career pathways
- You’ll be engaging in an exciting, inclusive and knowledge-sharing field
What excites me the most is the sector’s openness, collaborative spirit, and welcoming culture. I’m proud to contribute to the future of both my exceptional organisation and this remarkable industry as I embark on this career path.
Matthew Henderson, one of our trustees here at the Association for Cultural Enterprises and Head of Development Projects at Kynren, stands as an inspiring example of the career progression route an apprenticeship can lead you into. Matthew said:
“I was fortunate enough to complete a two year Live Events and Promotions apprenticeship at Beamish, The Living Museum of the North. Having previously volunteered at the museum and worked in a front of house seasonal role, it was the perfect opportunity to gain varied skills and experience across the museum. The apprenticeship was the foundation for my whole career, progressing to senior management at Beamish over the course of a ten year period.
“I am now a Trustee of the Association for Cultural Enterprises and support a wide range of organisations with their development, including at Kynren where I am Head of Development Projects. I’m so grateful to have been given an apprenticeship, it showed me the opportunities for a career in the sector and taught me a lot.”
Investing in Learning is Investing in Success
Just as there are many reasons to become an apprentice, there are also numerous benefits for the employer. Taking on an apprentice is a fantastic opportunity to nurture talent and introduce fresh perspectives into your team, contributing to the future success and sustainability of your organisation and the wider sector.
Investing in an apprentice means that from day one you can implement processes, values and organisational culture. Providing support to an apprentice ensures best practice within your organisation, creates strong bonds, and develops skills that are tailored to organisational needs – the learning opportunities can be endless. Apprenticeships help to preserve the sector as a whole by setting up the future generation of leaders for success.
Apprenticeships do more than preserve skills, they help break down those barriers that can limit access to career pathways. Apprenticeships create accessibility, encouraging passionate individuals and strengthening the cultural community overall.
My line manager, Danyanne Quemper, Financial Controller here at the Association for Cultural Enterprises, said:
“Employing an apprentice has enabled the Association to introduce fresh talent and ideas to our organisation, and to the wider cultural sector, as well as being able to align training to our business needs. In addition, it has provided growth opportunities for existing staff, in terms of developing their own mentoring, coaching and overall line management skills, while developing a loyal member of the team for the future.”
Whether you’re considering becoming an apprentice or exploring the option of bringing an apprentice on board, the impact is tremendous at both ends. It is much more than just a role within an organisation – it’s a chance to become a part of a tight-knit and vibrant community, gaining a multitude of skills and contributing to such an important sector. I’m excited to continue growing and shaping my career within the cultural world with the support of my dedicated mentors and colleagues.
