The BRITs Apprentice Scheme has confirmed its return for 2019. Originally launched back in January 2018, the scheme – devised by the BPI, which owns and runs The BRIT Awards and which also developed its charitable arm, The BRIT Trust – offers ten people the opportunity to benefit from quality paid employment and on-the-job training at an independent record label or music company.
An official press release stated that successful applicants “will develop some of the basic insights and skills needed to develop a career working in music, receiving practical ‘hands on’ mentoring and experience, honing relevant abilities and making key industry contacts.”
Speaking about its return, Geoff Taylor, chief executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: “We’re delighted with how well-received the Scheme has been in its first year and pleased to announce its return for a second round. The BRITs is committed to reflecting and promoting diversity across the music industry and this scheme is an important way in which we can open up new opportunities for young people from all backgrounds who want to pursue a career in this exciting business.”
The scheme is open to individuals of all backgrounds aged 18 and over. Successful applicants will be matched with independent record labels and music companies that are members of the BPI and will receive specialist training in either business administration or digital marketing.
Round two of the BRITs Apprentice Scheme will commence in April 2019 and run for 15 months.
The deadline for applications is February 10 2019, and the BPI/BRIT Trust organisers are calling on enthusiastic applicants from all backgrounds to apply as soon as possible. Full details are available on The BRIT Trust website here.
The BPI confirmed that 10 music companies drawn from across the vibrant independent community – ranging from record labels and digital distributors to music publishers and artist management – have signed up to take on an apprentice.
This is an incredibly important scheme
John Craig OBE
There are five places for candidates in London and a further five around the country in Belfast, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Sheffield and Wolverhampton.
In London the salary will be £18k and outside it will be £15k to reflect lower living costs. The BRIT Trust will fund two thirds of each salary and relevant expenses – leaving the participating companies to cover the remaining third (approx. £5k - £6k).
The Scheme is overseen by the BPI, while its day-to-day operation is managed by DiVA. It will be funded via The BRIT Trust.
John Craig OBE, Chairman of The BRIT Trust, said: “This is an incredibly important scheme and completely matches the BRIT Trust’s mission of enabling and furthering young people through their education and careers around music. It is often overlooked that The BRIT Awards is also a charity show and our thanks must go to all the artists who make it all possible.”
Arit Eminue, director DiVA, added: “We’re delighted The BRIT Trust and BPI have decided to support the BRITs Apprentice Scheme for a second year. The scheme is a stepping stone for new talent who ordinarily would have found it difficult to enter into the music industry. The first cohort have benefitted from a year-long, paid, meaningful work placement and training delivered by industry practitioners, all of which will stand them in good stead for the future.”
One of the first companies to participate in 2018 was Nimbus Records. Looking back on the experience, Nimbus’ business director Antony Smith: “We’ve been impressed by our apprentice Oliver Jones, and the difference he has made with his commitment and willingness to develop his and our digital marketing skills. We’d be happy to make the position permanent, as Oli has a bright future, but we respect his desire to experience other facets of our industry. Oli will leave with our thanks and best wishes and hopefully a solid foundation on which to build his career. We have been delighted to participate in the BRITs Apprentice Scheme, which is well run by DiVA and the BPI, and we eagerly recommend it to others.”
Speaking of her experience as a BRITs Apprentice, Ella Harding, sales strategy apprentice at Ingrooves Music Group, said: “My experience as a BRITs Apprentice has far exceeded my expectations. I have learnt so much about the industry, different career paths, networking and so much more. I have attended events such as the BRITs, the Music Week Awards, the AIM Awards among others. I have been so involved in every aspect of the business and it has given me a taste of what working in the music industry would bring. This year has confirmed that this is what I want to pursue a career in and that it is an environment in which I can thrive.”
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