The Launch of Generation Hull’s Apprenticeship Scheme

The launch of the Generation Hull Apprenticeship Scheme brought together people from across the city who share one belief. That Hull’s young people deserve every chance to build creative, meaningful careers right here in the place they call home.

What began as an idea is now a reality. Four talented young people have joined our first ever Generation Hull apprenticeships, hosted by some of the city’s most exciting cultural organisations. Middle Child, Back to Ours, Artlink and Freedom Festival are opening their doors and passing on their experience to the next generation of Hull’s creative workforce.

Trish Dalby, our Chair, opened the event by celebrating the opportunity that Hull offers. She said there is an incredible range of cultural experiences for young people to get involved with and reminded everyone that this scheme wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the people in the room.

That support is already transforming lives. Dylan, one of our apprentices hosted by Freedom Festival, spoke openly about how he didn’t feel university was an option because he felt trapped behind a desk. He said he never realised how much work goes into putting on a festival until he saw it for himself.

Eli, who joined Back to Ours, found out about the opportunity through a teacher who encouraged her to apply. For Emily at Artlink, the highlight so far has been seeing the full install of an exhibition she helped bring to life. And Molly, with Middle Child, shared that her day had been spent going through audition applications and preparing them for the director. Each apprentice spoke with such energy and purpose. Each one showing what can happen when the right opportunities come along.

Louise Yates from Back to Ours looked across at the apprentices during the panel and smiled. She said she was looking at four executive directors of the future. You could feel the pride in the room.

It was a sentiment echoed by Richard, Chair of Esteem, one of our funders. He said this city has guts, heart and real soul, and that he couldn’t be more proud to be associated with Generation Hull.

Madeline from Arts Council England reminded us that it’s not just about talking about young people as the future. They are the present too. That spirit captures exactly what Generation Hull stands for.

We’re proud that 39 young people applied for these first four apprenticeships. Every one of them showed ambition and talent. It’s proof that Hull’s creative community is alive with potential. And this is just the beginning.

As we look ahead, we want to build on the energy of this launch and continue creating pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, culture and creative industries. To do that, we’ll keep working with partners, funders and organisations that share our belief in what’s possible when a city invests in its young people.

How many more stories like Dylan’s, Eli’s, Molly’s and Emily’s could be waiting to be told? How many more young people could find their future in Hull’s creative heart?

Generation Hull is here to make sure they can.