Established in 2008 our ground-breaking creative traineeships run twice per year, providing unique and critical support for young care leavers from across all 32 London boroughs. Supported by a dedicated team, trainees learn art or creative writing skills in weekly sessions led by dynamic artists and poets. Not only do participants build a creative portfolio, they also develop their confidence, social and employment skills, providing them with a solid foundation for the future.
Creative sessions encompass a wide range of artforms, from sculpture and wire art, to printing and upcycling. The fun, positive nature of the workshops supports the wellbeing of trainees by boosting their mood and developing their enthusiasm and commitment. Through the teaching of practical art skills, the trainees are given opportunities to succeed and develop pride in their work, giving them a sense of achievement, and building their confidence, courage and self-esteem. Trainees use their learnt art skills to deliver creative workshops at the Museum for families.
Regular workshops provide a safe and encouraging space for young people, with access to consistent role models they can rely on. By bringing care leavers together, the traineeship builds an invaluable community in which young people support and respect one another. Most importantly, our traineeships give the young people the chance to feel at home in a museum that truly champions their lives, and in which they have a shared history of care.
The future
The traineeships provide a stepping stone into future employment and education, and every trainee is encouraged to leave with something to go on to. Opportunities to continue their relationship with the Museum include completing a second traineeship, becoming a champion to help run future sessions and mentor new trainees, or joining the alumni programme.
Every year, graduates from the traineeship have the opportunity to apply for the position of Museum Apprentice. This is a year-long role funded by John Lyon’s Charity and is open to young care leavers living in the London boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea and the Cities of London and Westminster. This role will be advertised on our jobs page.
Many of our trainees have gone on to study at university with courses ranging from law, social work and psychology, to art and theatre studies. Other trainees have returned to college, or have gained employment in hospitality, childcare, schools or retail.
This is the only place I come during the week where I am not judged or scrutinized. I can relax here, be creative, laugh, I really look forward to coming.
How to join the programme
Traineeship places are offered via a referral system. We work with virtual schools and care charities across London to identify suitable candidates for the programme. If you’re interested in joining the programme, the virtual school or charity you are connected to needs to get in touch with the Museums’ Learning Team at learning@foundlingmuseum.org.uk. If you are unsure if you qualify for a place, you can email us and we will explain the process.
Alumni programme
Building on the success of the traineeship, the alumni programme focuses on three areas: creativity, wellbeing and employment skills. A maximum of 10 trainees per year can apply to join the popular programme. Sessions are co-produced with the alumni group and led by professional artists. Past workshops have included jewellery design, candle and perfume making, upcycling and woodwork, alongside employment-focused workshops covering CV writing and money management.
Almuni members form a close bond with the Museum, even collaborating with the staff team to ensure contemporary care-experienced voices are present within the Museum collection and our exhibitions. By celebrating the voices of the young care leavers we work with, we strive to bridge the gap between past and present, demonstrating the relevance of the Foundling Hospital’s narratives today.
I like keeping connected to the history of the Foundling Museum and how it’s shaped my own reality and start in life.
