Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners?

Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners is a free 13 week programme funded by Greater London Authority (GLA) overseen by the Mayor of London.  This is part of an £18m programme forming part of the Department for Education’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee: helping everyone gain skills for life.

The programme is flexible and is designed for people who have had ‘less-than-positive’ experiences of formal learning (school, college or university). The programme is developed and delivered by CLOCK, Music Ally and Neko Trust, along with support from leading businesses in the music industry. The programme delivers training and skills development workshops and project based learning in the key areas of: 

  • Songwriting
  • Performance
  • Audio Production & Engineering
  • Event Management and Production
  • Digital Global Music Marketing
  • Publishing, and
  • Income Streams

You will also receive:

  • A guaranteed interview with a London based industry employer at the end of the programme
  • Training equivalent to Foundation Level 4 co-designed & delivered by music industry employers and accredited training providers
  • CV development and interview preparation support
  • Pre-employment coaching for those moving to an employed role
  • Access to course materials and the technical equipment needed to succeed

2. Who will my job interview be with at the end of the programme?

You will be guaranteed an interview with one of our Employment Partners. Our current Employment Partners are:

Gallowglass Since Gallowglass was founded in 1996 it has become Europe’s largest crewing company  in the event sector, continually adapting and evolving with the industry’s ever changing demands. Every year they work on between 8,000 and 10,000 events - private parties, weddings, corporate (AGMs, product launches etc), film & amp; TV, sporting, festivals, theatre, exhibitions and outdoor events. This is why they have been involved in some of the most iconic events ever held, supported some of the most successful television and film productions to ever broadcast, won a multitude of industry awards and employed over 10,000 young people.

Metropolis Studios is Europe’s #1 independent recording studio and home to the best mastering engineers in the world. Their facilities include an iconic range of dynamic tracking and mixing studios, the best mastering suites found anywhere in the world, a series of new writing and production rooms available for short and long term lease, and other serviced spaces for rent currently occupied by the likes of Roland and Spotify. Metropolis Studios believe that it is as important to represent and build long lasting relations with the next wave of young talent as it is servicing their legendary clients who have been returning to Metropolis Studios for the best part of three decades since the doors opened.

Blue Raincoat Music is an artist management company, music publishing company and record label, founded in 2014 by Jeremy Lascelles and Robin Millar. It has offices in London, New York and Los Angeles. In 2016 the company launched a new publishing arm and bought Chrysalis Records, one of the leading British independent labels. In 2019 Blue Raincoat Music forged a partnership with New York based independent music company Reservoir Media. Chrysalis Records then re-launched as a frontline label in February 2020, marking a return to releasing new music for the first time in over two decades.


3. Who can apply for Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners?

The programme is for people who:

  • Are aged 19+ 
  • Are unemployed or in low-income employment, including adults returning to work after a break and ex-service personnel
  • Live in London
  • Have not taken part in any other GLA funded Skills Boot Camp this year
  • Have the right to work in the UK
  • Are interested in a career in the creative industries, particularly music
  • Are motivated and eager to learn new skills

We are particularly interested in hearing from people who are/have:

  • Young people from black communities and young people from underrepresented ethnic minorities in London. 
  • Women and people who identify as female
  • Impaired mobility or other disabilities
  • Identify as coming from a working-class background

4. I have a criminal conviction. Can I still apply?

Yes! We welcome people with spent convictions and those with experience of the criminal justice system. Serving prisoners due to be released within 6 months of completion of the Skills Boot Camp and those on Temporary Release are also invited to apply.


5. How much does Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners cost?

The programme is free to attend thanks to generous funding from Greater London Authority (GLA) overseen by the Mayor of London.


6. I have children. Is there any childcare support available?

Yes. We can offer support with priority given to single parents and those who need it most. Please let us know that you would like to request this support on your application form.


7. Can you cover the cost of travel?

Yes. We can cover the cost of travel for some candidates. Priority will be given to those who need it most. Please let us know that you would like to request this support on your application form.


8. Where is Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners based?

The programme will take place at locations across London that have good public transport links (further information to follow).


9. How long does Music Industry Skills Bootcamp for Londoners run for?

If successful you will be needed to attend a one day in-person induction and two further days online prior to the programme start date TBC. You will attend for 3 days each week in London locations that have good public transport links. Two days will be workshop based and in person; one day will be at a project based location and / or online access.


10. Is there any flexibility on the days I need to attend?

We are asking for a weekly commitment of 3 days per week. We understand that some people may have existing work or caring commitments that are difficult to re-schedule and we will do our best to be flexible. Feel free to get in touch at [email protected] to discuss this further.
 

11. I don’t have access to a computer so I can’t join any online sessions

You will be given access to technical equipment if needed so you can complete the course. Please let us know if you need access to IT equipment.


12. How do I apply?

To apply, head here and complete the Expression of Interest Form. Due to the deadline, we'll be letting you know as soon as possible.

If your application is selected, you’ll be invited to a workshop interview for the programme.


13. What is the application process?

After you have submitted your application, our team will read through it and select people to join a Skills Discovery Interview in person at a London location or online with CLOCK Your Skills.  We will offer morning, afternoon or evening options to help work around your commitments. We will work with you in small groups to recognise the skills you already have (but maybe don’t realise you possess!)


14. What is CLOCK Your Skills?

CLOCK was set up in 2016 to deliver learning and professional development programmes for the Creative Industries. Since its inception CLOCK has facilitated Boot Camps for over 236 learners for those that prefer to learn through work. The CLOCK boot camp experience is transformative for learners: practical, experiential and non-formal learning are all recognised and validated as CLOCK benchmarks the skills and knowledge that are applied in professional work, roles and projects to specific industry and qualification levels.

15. What is Music Ally?

Music Ally has a long track record of training professionals in the music business. From major label teams at Universal, Sony and Warner, through to Indie labels, managers, artists and more, Music Ally helps artists and the industry understand how to find audiences, build fan engagement and develop revenue. Our focus is on how best to use streaming and social, as well as some of the tools, trends and tips that you should know about to build your career in the industry. Music Ally has experience in delivering over over 30 modules through its Learning Hub and these resources will ensure that our Music Industry Skills Boot Camp is underpinned by unrivalled course content, delivered by trusted experts in their field.

16. What is NEKO Trust?

Established in 2005, NEKO TRUST is a charity that identifies, supports and trains the next generation of live music industry talent with a focus on backstage roles. The charity was founded by tour director, Glen Rowe, after 30 years on the road with some of the biggest names in music. Our aim is to build a sustainable future for live events and provide opportunities for career development through training and practical support. We want to open up pathways for people to progress no matter who they are or where they come from. And to see the music industry workforce become more representative of the UK population.


17. Is Music Industry Skills Bootcamp COVID secure?

We have complied with the government’s guidance on managing the risk of COVID-19.

  • We have carried out a COVID-19 risk assessment and shared the results with the people who use our facilities
  • We have cleaning, handwashing and hygiene procedures in line with guidance
  • We have taken all reasonable steps to maintain a 2m distance on site.
  • Where people cannot be 2m apart, we have done everything practical to manage transmission risk

18. What qualification do I get at the end of Music Industry Skills Bootcamp?

Your training will provide you with either a CLOCK ‘advanced trainee’ or ‘competent professional’ status award. There is the option for formal certification at Level 4 or Level 5 dependent on the individual. We will discuss this in more detail during the programme.


19. My question isn’t answered here, where can I get more information?

For specific enquiries or further information please send an enquiry email to [email protected] marked Bootcamp and we’ll come back to you asap.