Tracing Our Tales is our award-winning training programme for care-experienced young people aged 18-29.

Supported by a dedicated team, trainees learn art or creative writing skills in weekly sessions led by dynamic artists and poets, to build a creative portfolio.

Regular workshops provide a safe and encouraging space for young people to build their confidence and self-esteem. Trainees will develop their social and employment skills, learn to devise workshops, gain experience of working with children, and make new friends.

Most importantly, our ground-breaking traineeships gives care-experienced young people the chance to feel at home in a museum that truly champions their lives.

We are delighted to be the recipient of the Learning Programme of the Year award at the 2022 Museums and Heritage Awards for our ‘Tracing Our Tales’ traineeship programme.

How to get involved

Traineeship sessions are held on Tuesdays and young people can take part in two traineeships a year. Graduates can pursue further paid opportunities within the Museum, such as becoming an artist assistant or a ‘champion’ of the programme. Traineeship places are offered via a referral system.

 

Paid Museum Apprentice

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 care-experienced young people living in the London boroughs of Barnet, Brent, Camden, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Harrow, Kensington & Chelsea and the Cities of London and Westminster.