When it comes to work experience, most teenagers expect to spend a week in an office, factory or shop. For a group of creative young people from Oldham, however, this year’s opportunity came on the festive streets of Manchester.
The teenagers were invited by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves to take part in Manchester’s annual Christmas parade, gaining hands-on experience behind the scenes of a major public event.
Some of the group worked with the wardrobe and make-up teams, applying festive glitter and helping musicians and dancers into costume. Others supported the technical crew, assisting with Global Grooves’ large parading puppets as they made their way through the city.
All of the young people are taking part in Creative Careers, a free nine-week programme that runs on Monday evenings at The Old Museum in Oldham. Delivered by Global Grooves, the project offers expert-led sessions in photography, theatre-making and arts project management, alongside real-world work placements at live events across Greater Manchester.
Next February, participants from the course will also work alongside Global Grooves at Oldham’s Illuminate light festival.
Seventeen-year-old Rowan, from Oldham, said the experience had opened up a whole new world. “This is all brand new to me. We’ve done all kinds of different creative workshops, including special effects make-up, which was super fun,” she said. “It was great to be at the Christmas parade, supporting the puppet performers and getting involved in wardrobe and make-up too.”
Evan, also 17 and from Oldham, said the programme had helped build his confidence. “I’ve definitely come out of my shell more and spoken to people way more than I would have without this course,” he said.
Global Grooves artistic director Holly Prest, who oversees Creative Careers sessions in Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside, said the scheme was already proving its value. “Creative Careers is a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and join a network of young creatives in your local area,” she said.
“We’ve been running the scheme for two years and we know it works. Former participants now work for us or our creative partners, or are studying creative courses at university. Taking part in Manchester’s Christmas parade was a once-in-a-lifetime work placement and everyone had a great day.”
A small number of places are still available on this year’s Creative Careers programme, which is open to young people in Oldham interested in exploring a future in the creative industries.
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