Latin culture fest for Merseyside apprentices

The workshop is one of several creative activity days for local apprentices available through Badged Apprenticeships, developed by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation (GMLPF) and funded by the Learning and Skills Council’s Merseyside European Social Fund Programme

The workshop starts with a Spanish warm-up song routine followed by a quick-fire quiz on Latin America. Next, a raucous hands-on drumming session creates a fiesta-like atmosphere that gets pulses racing. Having worked up an appetite, the participants then tuck into a lunch of freshly-prepared Latin American dishes including Ecuadorian meatballs and Costa Rican black bean soup. The afternoon progresses with fast-paced Latin dance lessons followed by a session of mixing vivid fruit cocktails.

19-year old apprentice, Ayesha Kamarudin from Aigburth was one of the participants:

“The workshop’s been brilliant. We’ve learnt all about Latin American geography, culture and way of life but it’s all been done in a fun lively way. I didn’t know much about the region before but now I feel like I’ve been there!”

Joanne Rymer from GMPLF, who has organised all the Badged Apprenticeships workshops comments:

“Francisco and Freddy have turned learning into a hands-on exhilarating experience. Through this particular Badged Apprenticeship workshop, young people are learning about other people’s culture and perspectives whilst broadening their team working and communication skills.”

GMLPF has been praised for the unique nature of the Badged Apprenticeships workshops. Mark Donnelly of LSC Greater Merseyside, who are a key partner in the project, comments:

“GMLPF have developed this ESF project into a strong link between the vocational training infrastructure and Merseyside’s creative industries. We’re all excited about the potential of Badged Apprenticeships as a model for giving young people a taster of careers in the local cultural sector.”

Badged Apprenticeship workshops are for young people aged 16-24 who are living and training in Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton, Wirral or St Helens and on an Apprenticeship in retail, tourism, hospitality or leisure. Badged Apprenticeships are funded through the Learning and Skills Council’s Merseyside European Social Fund programme. The project is supported by The Culture Company and managed by Greater Merseyside Learning Provider Federation (GMLPF). All Things Latin is an events company based in Liverpool, providing event activities to both the private and public sectors. It promotes all aspects of Latin American culture providing a unique style of performances, presentations and training sessions.