Harlow College are proud to be part of the exciting new Creative Cultural Skills programme. Creative Skills Initiative is supported by Royal Opera House Bridge, who are working to connect children and young people with great art and culture.

The Creative Skills Initiative has been specially designed for those aged 16-21, and will enhance the connection between education and the workplace, giving young people opportunities to engage in the arts, develop employability skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

The initiative will give Performing Arts students at Harlow College an insight into the huge employment opportunities within the arts as well as the chance to visit the High House Production Park, watch performances at the Royal Opera House and gain an Arts Award.

Natalie Francis, Assistant Academy Manager for Performing Arts, said: "Many of our students have knowledge of high profile jobs for those who can perform; sing, dance, act. Our hope is that this collaboration will encourage our students to look at other careers which they would have otherwise dismissed."

Judy Kenny, Royal Opera House Bridge Programme Manager, said: "The Creative Skills Initiative is a fantastic way for students to discover new routes into the creative industries and gain valuable experience. We are thrilled colleges like Harlow are enabling many more young people to learn about the practical skills and employment opportunities often hidden in the sector."

Karen Spencer, Principal of Harlow College, said of the initiative: "Our students have really benefited from working with the Royal Opera House bridge programme. They've been given an invaluable insight into the work of the ROH, worked with top professionals and gained fantastic experience for their future careers. Our strategy is to enrich our students experience at Harlow College - we are genuinely about 'not just courses, careers'."