Cockpit Arts / The Prince’s Trust Creative Careers Programme
Launched in 2010, our Creative Careers programme now runs annually, in partnership with The Prince’s Trust, as a gateway to a professional career in craft and design. Participants are integrated into Cockpit Arts’ professional working environment, while craft mentors provide aspirational role models.
2011/2012
Participants in 2011/12 included jeweller Lenique Louis, leather designer Johnette Taylor, and bridal headdress designer Stacey Dee Robertson.
Says Lenique Louis: ‘Since I have been at Cockpit Arts I have become more professional, organised and serious about where I want to take my business in the next few years. My self-confidence and business have gone from strength to strength.’ Read their success stories here…
Lenique Louis
Like gorgeous chunks of gold-encrusted coral, Lenique Louis’ rings have become sought-after statement pieces that sell in London and New York. Yet just three years ago, their creator Lenique was struggling to find work.
Case Study ›
Johnette Taylor
Johnette Taylor creates leather accessories that offer old-fashioned quality with a modern twist. Under her brand name nette’, Johnette has created leather goods that not only look good, but are also functional: bags for cyclists, ipad and camera cases and laptop carriers.
Case Study ›
Stacey Robertson
Scottish designer Stacey Robertson makes bespoke and ready-to-wear bridal headdresses. Each piece is carefully hand crafted using materials such as embroidered lace, beading, feathers and vintage finds to give a unique look.
Case Study ›
2012/2013
The programme has now entered its third year. Four previously unemployed young people are integrated into the Cockpit business incubator and mentored by established Cockpit Alumni to develop their design and craft skills, with the aim of fast tracking their progression to self employment. This year’s cohort includes Libby McMullin (cards), Natasha Nelson (hand made cards); Charlene Grandison (leather bags and accessories) and Crystal Griffiths (dolls).
Cockpit Arts Radcliffe Craft Award
Creative Careers participants are eligible to apply for the Cockpit Arts Radcliffe Craft Award, supported by the Radcliffe Trust. This provides a further spring board to business success – providing studio space and support within a Cockpit Arts incubator for a year. Winners of the Radcliffe Award in 2012 are Lenique Louis and Johnette Taylor.
Supporters
This year our Creative Careers programme is generously supported by
The Worshipful Company of Drapers
The Haberdashers’ Company
In 2011/2012 it was supported by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Camden Recycling Ltd.
In 2010/2011 Creative Careers was funded by the 2012 Cultural Skills Fund. The programme achieved an 80% retention rate, with 50% percent achieving an NVQ Level 2 qualification (providing a practical foundation in enterprise training); 40% intending to pursue a craft career; 80% achieving employment or self-employment, and 10% into further training.
Future Plans
Long term our aim is for Cockpit Arts to become self sustainable organisation, generating a surplus in order to cover the cost of further similar programmes in the future; however funding is needed to support the Creative Careers programme for a further year. If you would be interested to partner with us on the programme in order to help broaden access to our activities please contact Vanessa on 020 7419 1962 for an informal discussion.
