Recent headlines revealing that more than one million young people are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET) have sparked renewed concern about the future facing the next generation. While statistics tell us there is clearly a growing problem, they also force us to ask a bigger question: are conventional routes still working for everyone?
We can’t afford a lost generation, Not in our schools, not in our communities, not in our economy and not in our future. Every young person carries potential that doesn’t just shape their own life, but the world we all share. We talk to our students at Razzamataz and we know they have concerns because they are growing up in a world where job security feels less certain, career pathways are changing rapidly and confidence can easily be knocked before they have even started their journey.
Perhaps this means WE as the adults need to think differently.
Why Confidence Matters More Than Ever
At Razzamataz, we have long believed that helping young people prepare for their future goes far beyond exams they may pass. Confidence, communication skills, resilience and self-belief are often the foundations that allow young people to take opportunities when they appear. But they don’t just come from nowhere.
Through our performing arts training, young people develop skills that they will need throughout their life. They learn how to communicate, collaborate, solve problems, take responsibility and believe in themselves. These are the skills employers consistently tell us they value, yet they are often the hardest to teach through traditional routes alone.
Creating Opportunities Opening Possibilities
If young people can’t see what is possible, how can they imagine themselves achieving it? That’s why at Razzamataz we expose children to a wide range of opportunities, experiences and role models that help them see what their future could look like. Across the network, many young people begin by gaining work experience opportunities with their trusted Principals and teachers, allowing them to build practical skills in real environments while being supported by experienced mentors. From there, many progress into teaching assistant positions where they begin developing leadership skills and taking on greater responsibility. For others, this journey continues further.
A Career Pathway with Real Progression
Young teachers and team members within our schools are supported to develop professionally, through many varied initiatives that we offer. Through the Razzamataz Career Pathway, we provide clear progression routes that show young people exactly what opportunities are available and how they can achieve them. The opportunities available include:
Careers & Creative Development Day
Designed to help teachers grow their skills, feel inspired creatively and explore career pathways with us. Industry experts will share specialist knowledge to help us create even better experiences for our students, from supporting neurodivergent children in performing arts settings to providing guidance on nurturing the emotional wellbeing of our teams.
There are two events planned in London and Glasgow. For more info and to book visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/jobs/join-us-at-our-free-cpd-creative-development-days-in-london-and-glasgow/
Managers Training
As part of the Razzamataz Career Pathway, Managers Training offers teachers a valuable next step, giving them the skills, support and practical experience needed to take on leadership roles and continue progressing within the network.
Next Steps
For students, understanding what happens when they leave Razzamataz at 18 is not always clear, which is why we created the exclusive, closed-group Next Steps receptions designed to uncover the right route for every child interested in exploring careers in performing arts. Parents and children will hear from those already working in the industry, learn more about careers available and find out more about jobs with the Razzamataz network. This includes the progression from Assistant to Teacher, Manager, Principal and even multi-unit business owner.
Young Business Leaders
We have many examples of young people who have followed these exact routes. Take Jodie she took over Razzamataz Derby at just 22 and is thriving as an entrepreneur as she explains. “The franchise training was fantastic, I filled two whole notebooks and it massively opened my eyes to the bigger picture. Although I’m young to run my own business, this has never been an issue with the parents or other staff members.”
Or Meadow, who at just 18 is getting ready to launch Razzamataz Epping Forest alongside her mum Louise. As a former student, she wants to bring everything that she loved to the new school: “Participating in events with Razzamataz helped with my anxiety and built my confidence when I realised that I could work with people that I hadn’t met before. I really can’t put into words how much Razzamataz changed my confidence, it made me believe I was capable of anything.”
Helen Bell became the Principal of Razzamataz Sheffield at just 23. More than ten years on, Helen has two children and has enjoyed an extensive maternity leave, thanks to the Managers Training, which allowed her to place trusted team members into senior positions: “Razzamataz really supports growth and I’m now in the privileged position of having a thriving theatre school and being able to combine work with being a mum.”
Is it time to consider another route?
Of course, performing arts alone cannot solve the wider challenges facing employment and education, but Razzamataz is playing a role by offering alternative career pathways for those who may not thrive in traditional academic routes. We are also creating environments where young people can develop confidence, gain experience, feel valued and see genuine ways to explore future career pathways.
At Razzamataz, we believe we must ensure the next generation is in work, feels good about themselves and positively contributes to their community, for the benefit of society as a whole.
Looking to Build a Business in the Arts?
If you’re curious to learn more about the Razzamataz journey, contact Head Office or book a Discovery Den and become part of the next chapter. Visit: https://www.razzamataz.co.uk/discovery-dens/
