Entitled Factory Futures, after the city’s in-progress arts space The Factory, the scheme responds directly to the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic has had on youth unemployment.
Statistics from the UK Parliament reveal that from May to July 2020, 563,000 young people aged 16-24 were unemployed, an increase of 36,000 from the previous quarter, while in August 2020, 526,000 people aged 16-24 claimed unemployment related benefits, an increase of 124% from March 2020.
It is hoped that over the next five years, Factory Futures will see 1,400 young people aged 19-24, who are unemployed or on Universal Credit, take part in a range of pre-employment training programmes, including training academies, work experience programmes, traineeships and paid internships. Online learning, masterclasses, open days and workshops will also aim to benefit thousands more young people.
The scheme is part of Factory Academy, launched by MIF in 2018 in partnership with a consortium of cultural organisations in Manchester. Its aim is to diversify the workforce within a sector worth more than £100 billion to the economy annually.
Within the next year, it is hoped that 140 young people will benefit from the programme, beginning with a two-week creative training academy in October, providing key digital skills, behind-the-scenes insights, and guidance from industry experts. In January 2021, ten young people will undertake a six-month paid internship with MIF in roles such as Sponsorship, Press, Producing, Marketing, Operations, Creative Engagement and Artist Liaison.
Factory Academy has already supported around 60 young people, including through five apprenticeships delivered in partnership with the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU), HOME and The Lowry. It is hoped that once The Factory opens, it will generate as many as 1,500 direct and indirect jobs for the city.
Skills and training director at MIF, Jocelyne Underwood, said: ‘It’s vitally important that the creative sector invests in the talent of tomorrow. We’re working together with organisations across the region and beyond to develop a wide range of employer-led training, learning and skills development opportunities in order to open the sector up to the widest pool of talent, regardless of their background and education. With The Factory Academy we also want to equip young people with skills that will be useful as the economy recovers.’
Councillor Luthfur Rahman, executive member for culture, leisure, and skills, Manchester City Council, said: ‘Our young people are key to the ambitions we have for Manchester and also for its recovery from this pandemic. It's vital that we invest in them not only to give them the best chance of success and fulfilment in their own lives, but also to help shape and secure the future success of the city.’
Applicants wishing to secure a place on the initial Factory Futures Training Academy must attend a virtual Open Day on 21 October. Further information and registration can be found at https://mif.co.uk/factory-futures/