Coventry City of Culture Trust has received a significant grant to support its apprenticeship programme, a major part of the skills legacy from Coventry UK City of 2021.
The Cadent Foundation awarded the Trust £20,000 to fund its Production Apprentice – one of 14 young people who have been given the opportunity to be part of the Coventry 2021 team to deliver UK City of Culture.
Funded by local gas network, Cadent, the Cadent Foundation was established to make a positive and lasting difference to the local communities within the company’s network. Its award to Coventry City of Culture Trust is part of a £20 million programme of grants that it will distribute to charities and community groups over the next five years.
The Trust’s apprentices have been in post since November 2020 as part of a structured Level Three apprenticeship course. They are working across the Trust’s departments and learning from leading industry professionals, as part of the team delivering the year.
They are also benefitting from a programme of mentoring, pastoral care and employability skills development, delivered in partnership with training provider North Warwickshire and South Leicester College.
Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received this support from the Cadent Foundation.
“Our apprenticeship programme is offering an amazing opportunity for our 14 young people, who are learning a range of new skills and gaining invaluable experience. We are really proud that they are part of the team delivering UK City of Culture.
“We are extremely grateful to the Cadent Foundation for supporting our Production Apprentice and helping to make sure that our programme could be as comprehensive as possible.”
Julia Dwyer, Director of the Cadent Foundation said: “We are thrilled to be able to support Coventry City of Culture Trust by funding one of the apprentices helping to deliver the UK City of Culture initiative. This is such an important and historic event for our home city, and we are excited to play our part in bringing it to life.
“Apprenticeships play a vital role in educating, inspiring and equipping young people with the skills needed to achieve their full potential, which is something the Cadent Foundation is passionate about.”
The wider apprenticeship programme has been made possible through the support of the Trust’s core funders, including Coventry City Council, DCMS, Arts Council England and West Midlands Combined Authority.
For more information about the Cadent Foundation, visit https://cadentgas.com/cadent-foundation