Alison Hammond gives young apprentices a word of inspiration at Birmingham Hippodrome
‘Oh Yes You Can’, was the message from TV presenter Alison Hammond when she met two young apprentices hoping to land a dream career in the theatre industry.
Birmingham-born Alison and fellow panto star Matt Slack took time out from their schedule to meet Laura Gilbert and Tegan Payne backstage at the city’s Hippodrome theatre.
The two learners have been taken on as apprentices for the pantomime after completing a theatre skills course funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA).
Alison, who is playing the role of The Magical Mermaid in the panto, said: “Myself and the cast of Peter Pan are really proud to support Laura and Tegan as they start out in their careers here at Birmingham Hippodrome.”
Laura and Tegan secured their 18-month long apprenticeships at the Hippodrome after undergoing the Creative Venue Technician Bootcamp training course at Solihull College & University Centre.
The bootcamps have been co-designed with the Birmingham Hippodrome to make sure students get the hands-on skills they need to progress or begin a career in the creative industries.
After finishing school Laura, worked full time in retail but she knew that she always has a passion in creativity. She came across the venue technician bootcamp and joined it to develop her creative skills.
Now aged 25, Laura said: “I’ve always had an interest in live events so working with Alison and the cast of Peter Pan has been an incredibly fun experience.
“As one of the tech swings on the panto, I've been able to learn from the Hippodrome technicians across all departments, including electrics, stage and scenery movements.
“The bootcamp prepared me for my apprenticeship by developing my technical skills in a range of areas, as well as allowing me to network with industry professionals.
“This gave me the confidence to progress in my career by taking up the apprenticeship opportunity at the Hippodrome. I’ve been able to combine my love of creativity into a technical role and I can’t wait to see what the apprenticeship brings next.”
Fellow bootcamper, 20-year-old Tegan, added: "The boot camp has given me the chance to transform my creativity and love for the arts into a tangible career.
"But the best thing was the experience it gave me of working in different venues, which developed my knowledge and range of skills. We were able to meet so many experienced industry professionals, including the wonderful backstage staff here at the Hippodrome."
West Midlands mayor Richard Parker said: “The show must go on – and thanks to our creative bootcamps, it can!
“These programs are unlocking incredible opportunities for talented young people like Laura and Tegan, who are now working alongside one of the UK’s biggest TV stars at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
“We are opening doors for thousands of people across the region and giving them a step up into a range of exciting careers. Already we've delivered 43,000 courses with plans to deliver thousands more, meaning everyone can have access to high quality jobs that help them reach their potential."
Pictured from left to right: Matt Slack, Mayor Richard Parker, Laura Gilbert, Alison Hammond and Tegan Payne
