A museum-based apprenticeship scheme across several high-profile attractions in the north of England has been launched to entice the next generation of talent to the creative and cultural heritage sector.

Funded by the Arts Council England and run by the new Cumbria Museum Consortium (CMC), the initiative gives young people the chance to gain valuable skills work experience over a one-year placement.

Ten new apprenticeship roles have been created by the CMC, which co-ordinates projects and activities at Tullie House (Carlisle), Lakeland Arts (Bowness and Kendal) and the Wordsworth Trust (Grasmere).

The apprentices, all aged 18 to 23, cover a wide range of duties to equip themselves with broad experiences to enhance their career prospects in the notoriously tough museums sector.

In addition, the youngsters attend extra workshops organised by CMC apprenticeship manager Helen Ivory, who hopes the apprenticeship programme will become a model that other museums in Cumbria and the north can follow.

“It is tough to get a foothold in this area without a degree, so this programme really is opening doors for talented young people who wish to work to gain experience,” said Ivory. “The richer we can make apprenticeships in our sector, the more the sector will benefit in the longer term, by having committed, knowledgeable and ambitious young people helping to steer its future.”

CMC is now recruiting for its 2014 intake of apprentices. Details of the opportunities available, can be found by emailing: [email protected]