Salisbury Arts Centre
Work Placement Pack
Mission Statement
Salisbury Arts Centre’s mission is to surprise, challenge and include the
people of the district of Salisbury and the wider region in a range of
innovative, high quality, diverse and stimulating arts experiences.
In so doing it aims to serve the cultural needs of the people of Salisbury and
South Wiltshire.
It has a global influence and is always underlined by our inclusive access
policy.
Our work has a particular focus on young people, that work being
complementary and linked when appropriate to other opportunities in the
area.
It presents these activities in ways that are unique to the area and provide
both an enjoyable and stimulating experience.
It is a key resource in support of local community and social activities that are
complementary to the artistic programmes and to the resources provided by
others in the district.
Housed in the former St Edmund’s Church all of the above is set in context of
respecting and positively using the historic architecture and heritage of the
building to enhance the experience of all users.
More information can be found by visiting our website
www.salisburyartscentre.co.uk
Work Placements
Salisbury Arts Centre welcomes applications to join us on a one week work
placement for years 10 or 11. If you are considering the Arts centre then read
through this information pack to get an idea of what is involved in a
placement. If you decide it’s for you then please fill in and return the
application form. If you are offered a placement please inform your school that
you have made your own arrangements.
The placement is designed to give you an insight into the running of an Arts
Centre and is a good way of finding out about the arts as a future career path.
We prefer to offer a broad overview of the whole centre rather than a
placement in one department; this means you will be given the opportunity to
work in box office, marketing, operations, front of house and technical. The
work will vary depending on the events we have during your placement.
The Arts Centre does not produce its own work so we do not offer experience
in make up or costume design, set building or design. However, on occasion,
resident or visiting companies maybe doing site specific work that you may
get involved in.
We are looking for enthusiastic young people, who are outgoing and have a
genuine interest in the behind the scenes operation of the Arts Centre. Ability
to use a computer and the internet may be beneficial as well as the
confidence to work with the public. A willingness to work hard and as part of a
team is also essential.
Facilities and Services
Catering and Breaks
Tea, coffee and water are available free in the office. Students are required to
make their own arrangements for meals, either a packed lunch or by using the
Arts Centre café (please note that the café is not open on a Monday).
Arts Centre staff are likely to break at varying times, as can students.
Students are encouraged to take a break every four hours and if using
computers for a long period of time for five minutes within every hour.
Telephone
Students may use the office phone free of charge for necessary calls, for
transport arrangements or to make calls connected with the placement. They
may receive calls in the same circumstances.
Transport
The Arts Centre regrets that it is unable to provide financial assistance with
transport. However we are only 5 minutes walk from the bus station and 15
minutes from the train station.
First Aid
The Centre has several first aiders amongst its staff. Students will be briefed
on first aid and fire procedures during their induction on their first day.
Working Times
We require students to work flexible hours, although the daytime ‘shift’ would
generally be 10am – 4pm. However our shows are in the evening and if we
ask you to join us for a show we will put in time off to compensate. Whenever
possible a working day of 8 hours is not exceeded but this may not be
achieved on a performance day.
We will discuss your flexibility and availability at your interview.
Insurance
The Arts Centre has employers liability insurance. The Trident Trust has
inspected a copy of this document on behalf of schools that use their
organisation.
Confidentiality
Students may have access to confidential data and personal details during
their placement, particularly when working with Box Office or Marketing. It is a
condition of acceptance that students will respect the confidential nature of
this information.
Yes, I want a place!
We would be happy to talk through your placement in more detail if you wish,
call Vicky on 01722 343020 if you have any questions.
If you would like a placement at Salisbury Arts Centre then you should:
-
Discuss the placement with the teacher responsible for your work
experience
Follow you school’s procedure for applying for a placement
Fill in the form at the end of this pack and send it to the Arts Centre
You will then be contacted for an informal interview
Before Your First Day
The Arts Centre is an active and lively place and can be dangerous so our
Health and Safety Guidelines are to be followed by all staff including work
experience students and volunteers. Our Health and Safety Policy and
instructions for evacuation will be in your induction pack. In the meantime
please follow the following guidelines:
-
Do not enter a space unless you are sure it is safe to do so (it may
be dark or people maybe working overhead)
Loose clothing should not be worn
It is not always appropriate to wear a hat
Long hair should be tied back for many activities
Wear sensible shoes, make sure you bring or wear closed toed
shoes for carrying and technical work
Do not work if you are feeling unwell – and please let us know if you
have any conditions we should be aware of
Always ask questions if you are unsure of how to do anything or
how something works, all the staff are happy to help you
Be aware of machinery operating around you or of staff working at
height
Keep wires and cables taped down or tucked under desks
If in doubt do not take risks – you are here to learn….
On Your First Day
Come to the back doors that link the old church building to the new extension.
You will be met and introduced to the staff. You will also receive an induction
which includes a full tour of the building.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes (We do not have a dress code but
remember that you will be in contact with members of the public. We will
provide protective clothing for very messy activities and hard hats when
required).
Remember to bring your lunch or money and plan your travel arrangements. If
you are not able to attend a days work please ring and let us know.
Bring with you any forms or log books that you need to complete.