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It’s behind you! No, a glittering career could be just ahead of you

The fun of the panto season may be in full swing but behind the scenes there is an industry hard at work putting the business into show business. One such enterprise is Llanelli-based, Costumes To Go, which offers a complete costume service from dressing whole theatre companies to providing a unique one-to-one bespoke design and making service. The company is one of a growing number in Wales able to offer new Creative Apprentice opportunities on a regular basis following the success of the initial nationwide pilot project.

Funded by the Welsh Government, through the European Social Fund’s Sector Priorities Fund Pilot programme, a total of 57 Creative Apprenticeships across Wales, from a starting point of zero, have taken place since July 2010.

The apprenticeships are a way of ensuring people gain skills for employment in the creative and cultural industries in Wales, resulting in a stronger workforce, better equipped with the necessary skills for securing employment within the industry.

Managed by Creative and Cultural Skills, the Sector Skills Council for the creative and cultural industries, the Apprenticeships have ranged from costume and wardrobe to live events and promotions, cultural venue operations, community arts administration and technical theatre. Employers have included Cadw, Welsh National Opera, Cwmni’r Frân Wen, Anglesey, Aberystwyth Arts Centre; Galeri, Caernarfon and Theatr Mwldan in Cardigan.

Costumes To Go founders Maureen Rhys and Deborah Rees have worked in the costume and retail business for over two decades. Maureen started her career as a dresser at the BBC in Cardiff before moving to the BBC in London to work on such shows as the Two Ronnies. The two had originally been school friends but lost touch until Friends Reunited brought them together again.

Deborah says, “I've always been interested in clothes and the costume side of things and it’s a dream come true that Maureen and myself have set up a business together. We offer costumes for hire to schools, colleges, amateur or professional theatre groups, television and film.

“If we haven't got it we will make it or source it, our tag line is, 'Ask us…we'll act on it!'
“Both of us were lucky enough to have learnt everything we know from working on the job and the Creative Apprenticeship Scheme is a fantastic introduction to a world of experiences for anybody looking to find their feet in the creative industries in Wales.

“I’m proud that, through the Creative Apprenticeship Scheme, we’ve been able as employers to offer an opportunity to someone keen to break into the industry as it is often difficult to find a way in. We would encourage as many other businesses in Wales to consider taking on an apprentice as it has given us new impetus and fresh ideas to take the business forward.”

Gwenno Jones, 17, from Carmarthen is currently working with Costumes To Go as an apprentice. She added, “From an early age I always had a fascination with costumes, hand me downs and making creations from my own dressing up box. To be able to work with Costumes to Go is a fantastic opportunity. My work here is so varied, from making hats for a pantomime to getting show outfits together. Thanks to this apprenticeship I’m gaining incredible experiences and meeting so many different people who are all happy to offer me practical advice.

“I’m currently studying for a NVQ level 3 in Costume and Wardrobe at Coleg Gwyr and without doubt this apprenticeship is giving me the confidence to pursue my ambitions and one day be able to work full time within the creative industries.”

http://www.bbc.co.uk/newyddion/15767016