NT Workshop

An actor from the National Theatre’s award-winning play War Horse facilitated a three-day employability workshop with a difference in partnership with East London Business Alliance and business volunteers from Accenture. The workshop, held at the National Theatre, offered eight 16-24 year-old residents of L&Q Housing Association an opportunity to learn employability skills through an insight into the work that goes on ‘behind the scenes’ of the National Theatre.

Residents were exposed to sound techniques, the use of over 86,000 sound effects, and used complex equipment to produce a track that best represented their life story.  In addition, each resident received further training on communication skills, body language techniques and interview skills provided by volunteers from one ELBA member company Accenture.

The training was delivered by Allel Nedjari one of the cast members of the smash-hit play War Horse. He said: “As an actor, I use my skills to entertain the audience. This was different, because it meant I could use my skills to improve individuals, which made it really worth the while. It gave a 'value to my skills'. “

Greenwich borough resident, Marvin Bulle commented on how he benefited from the scheme: “I am so happy for a start that I can put this on my CV. No employer will turn me down, when I tell them the things I have learnt throughout this workshop. The scheme has boosted my interview skills, and I am very positive about my employment career.”

The scheme also helped Waltham Forest student, Helena Morais. Speaking on what she plans to do with her new skills she said: “I would like to do more volunteer work. I want to carry on my current studies in theatre and want to go to university and help others experience what I did on this scheme. It is seriously a life changing experience, and OMG I am so happy!”

The workshops were fun, engaging and provided a practical way of learning, which allowed each learner to benefit regardless of learning ability or educational background.

For more information about the scheme please contact Ayana Hosten: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0207 068 6960