Portsmouth Creative Skills

Supporting the personal development and career progression of disadvantaged young people

Portsmouth Creative Skills is a flexible pre-employability programme designed to equip care leavers and looked after young people in challenging circumstances with life skills, work experience, confidence, passion and a sense of possibility.

This innovative partnership with Portsmouth City Council Children’s Services and the Portsmouth Virtual School enhances the connection between education and the workplace; giving young people opportunities to engage in arts-related jobs, develop social, communication, team and professional skills and gain nationally recognised qualifications.

During it’s first phase, 8 young people participated in a series of workshops around topics such as money management, interview training and job applications alongside work experience placements in creative and cultural venues such as Portsmouth Guildhall. Participants were also supported to achieve their Bronze Arts Award. These young people have benefited from individual progress planning and 1 to 1 mentoring which has ensured that the majority are already in further education, preparing to start apprenticeships or employment.

‘This programme is the best thing that’s happened to me. I have gotten so much out of doing it … I would never have done any of this without them, without their help, without any of this course. I would never have done it.’

-Steph, Portsmouth Creative Skills Cohort 1 participant.

Hear the inspiring stories of Steph, Harry and Zach in the film above.

For years two and three we are looking for extra funding to support future young people if you are able to make a donation please see our support page.

This programme is kindly supported by The Blagrave Trust.