Macy Wright
A former Chellaston School pupil with a love of music has praised the apprentice scheme, saying that it is the ‘perfect’ career choice for her.
Sixteen-year-old Macy Wright joined Derby’s Hot House Music as a student in 2015 before becoming one of four apprentices employed by the social enterprise last year.
She has highlighted the benefits of the initiative during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from February 8-14.
“Music is such an important part of my life and I love it because it is limitless,” said Macy, a business admin apprentice, “I love to explore different genres and styles and I’m excited to be part of such a wonderful industry.
“I started in the kids’ bands after school and have gradually progressed and signed up for other musical lessons. I fell in love with all the opportunities Hot House Music has given me. I was then offered an apprenticeship after doing work experience in year 10 and I immediately said yes.
“I chose an apprenticeship with Hot House Music because I am determined to work in the music industry and I thought this would be the perfect first step. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of sixth form and being restricted to a school timetable.”
Macy says her favourite part of the apprenticeship is the practical work, particularly when she gets to play with the ensembles, which include gospel choirs and big bands, and teach whole class sessions, which currently take place online due to lockdown.
She said: “It’s amazing to see how we have managed to continue to provide musical lessons. I also have learned a lot about audio set up for bands because of this change, which is really interesting.”
As the business admin apprentice, Macy supports one-toe-one music lessons and group sessions, in addition to completing daily administrative tasks and online college assignments as part of business training.
On top of this, Macy is keen to continue playing music for own enjoyment and creative outlet.
She said: “I still have weekly music lessons with my incredible teacher Stu, who has been teaching me for five years now. I love that I have a personal connection with the company as both a member of staff and a long-term student.
“What I really love about being a student with Hot House Music is the continuous support that makes you determined to keep practising and you also get to make so many friends within band rehearsals and performances.
“One of my favourite memories as a student was my first rehearsal with the Fusion band and I felt so welcomed by everyone and all the people who helped me with the music were super funny and nice.”
Macy, who usually plays the bass guitar, added the apprenticeship has given her the opportunity to try out different musical instruments, including the drums, ukulele, piano and guitar – and is eager to play even more in the future.
Ahead of National Apprenticeship Week, the music school also invited alumni and CEO of Young Professionals, Dan Miller, to give an e-talk to educate pupils about work experience and apprenticeships.
Dan Miller, who is originally from Derby and also received the award for Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016, launched his business while at school to help young people secure work-related opportunities.
Now, budding apprentices and workers can access the business, which was previously sponsored by one of Derby’s leading businesses Rolls Royce, through the Young Professionals app to search for their ideal job and kickstart their career.
Staying true to his musical background, the CEO also shared he still enjoys playing the keyboard and invited Hot House Music to feature in one his webinars, which was broadcasted to 2,500 students during lockdown.
CEO and of Hot House Music, Jon Eno BEM, said: “We’re delighted to have our four new apprentices on board and are very excited to hopefully add another three to our family later this year.
“We see apprentices as a long-term recruitment strategy and have been taking apprentices on for the last five years. The benefits of an apprenticeship scheme are those real-world experiences which help deliver growth.
“We also like to teach transferrable skills which the apprentices can take into other jobs in the future. We like to think that we’re putting something back into music.”
The theme for this year’s National Apprenticeship Week is “Build the Future” which is set to promote the benefits of apprenticeships, like those highlighted by Jon, such as gaining hands-on training and the opportunity to put skills into practice.
