In January, we launched our Facilitator Training Programme. This programme offers the opportunity for 12 young people aged between 16-25 to come and train with us, assist in our Bright Sparks classes, work towards an Arts Award and attend monthly training sessions here at Z-arts. Our trainees and assistants will be with us until July 2022.

To engage with a diverse range of applicants, we advertised the recruitment for the programme in many ways. We went to local schools and spoke to young people; we went to the Millennium Powerhouse in Moss side and to the Manchester Foyer which offers assisted living for young people. We advertised next door in our local job Centre and invited potential applicants to visit the venue before to speak to one of our team. We ran an open day style workshop on a Saturday afternoon which gave applicants to chance to meet our team, have a tour of the building, take part in taster activities and ask any questions they had. We held separate meetings with individuals who couldn’t make that date or who needed greater reassurance about our venue before applying. We offered a building tour for young people from Manchester Foyer as a lot of the young people from there were anxious about coming to the venue for the first time. We showed them where their sessions would be and helped to film applications for them. 

Participants will attend a training session each month. The first session was an introduction to the programme, a chance for them to meet our lead facilitators, CEO, and some of our wider team too. They trained in safeguarding, best practice and had an introduction to Z-arts. Esmay, our dance trainee facilitator said  

 ‘Today we had a training session, and it was nice to see everyone else and what groups they are in and what art form they are doing as well. So it’s been really nice to meet everyone and get to know everyone a bit better. We did a bunch of different activities as well which have been really fun. All the important things as well like safeguarding.’ 

In March, they will be looking at Arts Award and a session based on communication. 

In April, they will complete dealing with challenging behavior and anti-racism training with Odd Arts. 

In May, they will train with some of our team developing a creative toolkit. 

In June, they will complete training on celebrating difference with Venture Arts. 

In July, they will look at quality principles, evaluation and a celebration. 

 We are really excited to welcome them to our building and as part of our team!