Community arts worker apprenticeships - where to start
You can get into this job through
a university coursea college coursean apprenticeshipvolunteering
University
You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in:
- community arts
- creative expressive therapies
- art and design
- community education
You'll usually need to be qualified and experienced in a particular art form, for instance visual arts, dance, drama, music or creative writing.
You'll usually need 1 or 2 A-levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma or 2 to 3 A-levels, or equivalent, for a degree.
College
You may find a community arts qualification useful for getting a job as an assistant. Examples include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Community Arts Administration
- Level 3 Certificate in Community Development
You may need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to do a cultural learning and participation officer Level 3 apprenticeship.
You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.Volunteering
It's important to get relevant experience by volunteering. This can often lead into paid work.
You can find out about local community arts projects from the arts officer at your local council.
Direct Application
You can apply directly for jobs if you've got paid or voluntary experience of working in the community. For example, in adult education, art teaching or youth work. Experience of working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups will also be helpful. Experience is just as important for getting onto a community arts course as it is for finding paid work.
Community arts worker apprenticeships - what it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
customer service skills
knowledge of psychology
counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
sensitivity and understanding
the ability to work well with others
leadership skills
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
knowledge of English language
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Restrictions and Requirements
You'll need to:
pass enhanced background checks
Community arts worker apprenticeships - what you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
Your day-to-day duties may include:
- working with local community groups to identify needs and concerns
- developing new groups and activities
- creating artwork and helping community members develop their own ideas
- promoting and organising input from other arts workers
- leading meetings and training activities
- advising on grants, sponsorship and other sources of funding
- writing funding bids and proposals, managing budgets and general administration
- publicising activities through the press, local radio, leaflets and social media
- managing and assessing projects
Working environment
You could work in the community, at an adult care home, in a prison or at a school.
Career path and progression - Community arts worker apprenticeships
With experience, you could work freelance and run larger projects with bigger budgets.
In larger organisations, you could move into a more senior or management role.