ArtsReady trainees offers more options to students 

ArtsReady is an on-the-job traineeship program for school leavers and secondary school students wanting a career path in the arts and creative industries.

Federal Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Michael Danby said it would be like a “plumbing apprenticeship but for people in the creative industry”. 

Full-time and part-time traineeships will be available for technical, management and administration roles across the arts and creative industries.

There will also be an option for Year 11 and 12 students to begin part-time traineeships while still at school.

Trainees will receive qualifications ranging from a Certificate II to a diploma on completion.

Mr Dandy said Bendigo was chosen to host the launch of the $3.4 million program because it has “an affinity with the arts”.

“The traineeship will not be restricted to the big cities. 

“We want to make this very clear that regional cities will be very much a part of this.”

He said trainees would leave the program ready for a career in an industry which is traditionally difficult to get into.

“After the traineeship is over they will have recognition for their work through a qualification, and their skills will be transferable.”

ArtsReady general manager Andrew Murray said the program would be delivered and based on AFL SportsReady.

AFL SportsReady has delivered education and employment pathways in a wide variety of fields for the past 20 years.

“The ArtsReady concept is based on a proven traineeship model, which supports young people to take that first step in a long-term career,” he said.

Capital theatre technician and Bendigo high school student Abe Watson, 17, said he thought the program would be great for people trying to forge careers in an industry which is difficult to get into.

“I think it will be a great way to get experience, plus there is formal education structured into the program.”