The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse
Supporting young people towards career readiness
Looking for opportunities to grow your skills and gain experience? The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse is a space to learn, get experience, and kickstart your future!
If you’re aged 14–25, across our different pathways, we offer training, workshops, and work experience that help you build confidence and prepare for your next steps.
Here’s what you can do:
- Develop your skills
- Earn a recognised qualification
- Build networks
- Gain experience of work
- Access wellbeing support and mentors
The Skills Studio is a portal to life-changing opportunities.
Whether you want to boost your CV, explore your passions, or find your next move, The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse is the place to start.
Contact learning@storyhouse.com for more information about our programmes.
Our Programmes:
The Agency Chester
Applications open from August 2026
Every Wednesday, 5–7pm from September 2026
A 28-week creative entrepreneurship aimed at young people aged 15-25 living in Lache. The Agency encourages you to create a community based project that bring about the change you want to see in your community.
Build Skills in: Creating networks, community engagement, and project management.
Find out more about The Agency Chester
Applications for 2026 are now open, visit wearetheagency.co/chester to apply.
Funded by: Westminster foundation and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen.
Working in partnership with: The Agency of Change.
Part of: Storyhouse Local
Front of House Training
Applications Now Open
Training session every Thursday, 12–4pm from March 2026
16 weeks of training and 8 weeks of work placements for young people aged 19-25 NEET or at Risk of becoming NEET. The programme provides you with tangible, transferable skills, experience and qualifications for the service industry.
Build Skills in: Customer service, employability.
Apply to The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse
Funded by: Westminster foundation and Chester Racecourse.
Working in partnership with: CCSW tailored learning.
Facilitator Training
Applications Now Open
Training session every Thursday, 4.30–7.30pm from April 2026
12 weeks of creative training and work placement for young people aged 16-25 who are underrepresented in The Arts. The programme provides you with the skills, experience and knowledge you need to become freelance facilitators.
Build Skills in: Communication and leadership.
Apply to The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse
Funded by: Westminster Foundation and Noel Coward Foundation.
Creative Social Club
Every Tuesday, 5–7pm (during term time)
A weekly term time drop in group that is designed for young people aged 14-25. Supporting your wellbeing through being creativity and connecting with new people.
Skills Focus: Confidence and Social skills.
How to take part: No application required, simply drop-in or contact learning@storyhouse.com for more information.
Funded by: Youth opportunities fund and Chester Bluecoat Charity.
Our Safeguarding Policy:
Creating spaces where everyone feels safe to gather, create, learn and connect is fundamental to Storyhouse and who we are. Safeguarding is not a standalone process but central to our mission. It is embedded in our culture and the responsibility of every trustee, employee, freelancer and volunteer.
We work with thousands of children, young people and adults each year in our building, in schools and community settings via festivals, partnerships and outreach activity. We are committed to ensuring that every individual regardless of age, background or circumstance is protected from harm and able to participate with confidence.
Our safeguarding framework provides clear procedures to prevent, identify and respond to concerns. It is underpinned by safe recruitment, regular training and strong leadership oversight. It is reviewed annually by Safeguarding leads, Senior Leadership and our Board and is updated as required to reflect current legislation, best practice guidance and the evolving needs of our communities.
This commitment reflects our values: we believe everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and heard. By maintaining a culture of openness, accountability and care, we ensure Storyhouse remains a creative home where stories can be shared in safety and trust.
View Storyhouse Safeguarding Policy
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