MORE than £90,000 has been granted to help create new internships and apprenticeships in York.

Through Arts Council England, City of York Council has secured £90,750 for the Creative Employment Programme to help create 40 new job opportunities in the creative and cultural sector for young people aged 16 to 24 in the city.

Roles will be the first step on the career ladder in the city’s cultural sector, with York Theatre Royal, Jorvik Viking Centre, Explore York Libraries and Archives and other small independent theatre groups, galleries and arts organisations joining the council in the scheme.

Council leader James Alexander said: “It is pleasing to hear that the consortium has received this funding to help create opportunities for young people in the city in this exciting sector.

“This funding comes through positive partnership working across the city and there is still the chance for businesses to get involved and create opportunities for young people across the city.”

The roles must help reduce youth unemployment, and are open to young people who are being supported by Jobcentre Plus.

Internships are open to anyone aged 18 to 24, while apprenticeships are open to young people aged 16 to 24.

The first role available is Events and Promotions Apprentice with the council, but employers in the creative and cultural sector can still be part of the consortium and apply for funding to help create an internship role for a young person.

To find out more, email becky.solomon@york.gov.uk or phone 01904 554341.