We are currently looking for four apprentices to join our teams in Marketing and Communications, Digital Content, Technical and Visitor Services. We spoke with Jhanee who joined our Learning & Participation team last year as part of our Cultural Internship scheme about the experience and opportunities she’s had since joining the team.

  • Hi Jhanee, tell us a little about yourself and your role at the Hippodrome?

 My journey at Birmingham Hippodrome started in December 2020 when I applied for a Cultural Internship placement after graduating in October. I applied to be part of the Learning & Participation team as I knew I wanted to work with young people and give back the support that has been given to me through the years.

During my internship I worked on our Young Advocates pilot programme and assisted our Learning & Participations Artists in schools. I also helped with general admin which helped me gain a better understanding of how the department and organisation as a whole works. When the internship came to an end, I was offered a role as a Learning & Participation Assistant. In this role I have already been given more responsibilities and exposed to even more opportunities.

  • Tell us some key projects and highlights from what you have worked on so far?

Working on the Young Advocates programme has definitely been a highlight as I got to be part of the process from the start to finish and work with some amazing young people. Another highlight has been being part of the Relaxed performance and accessibility team for the Van Gogh Alive experience in London. Equality and accessibility are so important to me personally and being part of a team that holds space for people that are often overlooked to enjoy the arts has been a beautiful experience.

  • What projects are you excited to be part of going forward?

I am looking forward to seeing the Young Advocates programme continue to grow and how they help shape the future of Birmingham for young people and I am just so excited to be part of the team as we further develop our work with young people.  I am also looking forward to taking on more responsibilities and spending more time in our Hippodrome Education Network (HEN) schools.

  • What has your experience been like working with teams at the Hippodrome?

My experience working with the Hippodrome team has been amazing. I very quickly felt like part of the team and was welcomed with open arms. I feel fortunate to work in a place where I feel accepted and like I can be my authentic self too. I love the work I get to do at the Hippodrome and being part of such a great team is a bonus.

  • What advice or encouragement would you give to someone considering applying for one of our apprenticeship roles?

Go for it! This time last year I was doing my MA and didn’t really know what I wanted to do after that. I applied for the internship here as a potential step to something else, but instead I ended up realising that this is what I want to do. I’ve spoken to so many people that have ended up doing what they love because they took a chance and said yes to opportunities, so just go for it!

To find out more about our Apprenticeship opportunities join one of our online information sessions on Wednesday 15 or Wednesday 22 September to meet members of the Hippodrome team and discover more about these exciting new roles.