The Skills Studio @ Storyhouse
Supporting young people towards career readiness
Looking for opportunities to grow your skills, gain experience and build your confidence? The Skills Studio is your space to kickstart your future! If you’re aged 14–25, our programmes offer training, workshops and work experience designed to help you develop transferable skills, gain qualifications and prepare for your next steps.
Key benefits for young people:
- Training delivered through fun and creative approaches
- Earn a recognised qualifications and develop transferable skills
- Gain experience across a variety of roles in a working environment
- Build networks with industry professionals and engage with local communities
- Access to a safe and inclusive environment with mentoring support and signposting to wellbeing services
Whether you want to boost your CV, explore your passions or find your next move, The Skills Studio is your gateway to life-changing opportunities
Contact learning@storyhouse.com for more information, or continue reading to discover our programmes.
Our Programmes:
The Agency of Change
Applications for 2026-2027 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 of Change supports young people to create community based projects that bring about the change they want to see in their community.
Skills Focus: Creating networks and project management.
Knowledge Focus: Budgeting, marketing and fundraising.
Experience Focus: Community engagement and pitching to panel.
Visit wearetheagency.co/chester to find out more.
Funded by: Westminster Foundation and Kristian Gerhard Jebsen.
Working in partnership with: The Agency of Change.
Front of House Training
Applications Now Open – September 2026
Training session every Thursday, 12–4pm
16 weeks of training and 8 weeks of work experience 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.
Skills Focus: Customer service and work readiness.
Knowledge Focus: Food hygiene and interview preparation.
Experience Focus: Work experience in a customer centred environment.
Funded by: Westminster Foundation and Chester Racecourse.
Working in partnership with: Cheshire College South & West Tailored Learning.
Facilitator Training
Applications Now Open – October 2026
Training session every Thursday, 4.30–7.30pm
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, knowledge and experience you need to become freelance facilitators.
Skills Focus: Communication and leadership.
Knowledge Focus: Planning workshops & working freelance
Experience Focus: Working with community groups.
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 for young people aged 14-25. Designed to support your wellbeing through creativity and connecting with new people.
Skills Focus: Confidence and Social skills.
Knowledge Focus: Jobs and other opportunities.
Experience Focus: Shared cinema, theatre, and art visits.
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
Young Creatives
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