A Unique Opportunity for Young People

Summer 2025 work experience spots are now open. We will review submissions and notify applicants between March and May. In the meantime there are plenty of voluntary and participatory opportunities available. Keep an eye on our website and socials for  updates!

At Global Grooves, we’re passionate about helping young people discover their potential, develop new skills, and explore career paths in Carnival arts, outdoor arts, music, and performance. Our work experience placements offer a unique, hands-on insight into the creative industries, giving young people the chance to learn directly from professionals in a dynamic, supportive environment.

This is no ordinary work experience. It’s your chance to step behind the scenes at our creative hub, The Vale, and get involved in live events, large-scale performances, and community projects. Whether you’re interested in lighting design, music production, event management, or street performance, this experience will give you a taste of what it’s like to work in a vibrant, exciting field.

What We Offer:

• Real-World Experience: Work alongside talented artists and creative professionals. Gain hands-on experience in roles like event coordination, set design, performance production, and more.
• Incredible Opportunities: You’ll get to work at our venue, The Vale, as well as on-site at live outdoor events, festivals, and performances.
• A Career Boost: This isn’t just about shadowing—our placements help you build skills, make industry connections, and explore future career opportunities in the creative industries.

Who Can Apply:

We aim our work experience at young people who are:

• Ages 14-19 (school years 10-11 and sixth form)
• Based in Tameside, Glossop, or Oldham (or studying in these areas)
• Interested in a career in Carnival/Outdoor Arts, Music, Photography, Media, Visual Arts, Dance, Performance, Lighting Design, or Event Management
• Passionate about getting hands-on experience in the creative sector!

Important Info:

• Applications for Summer 2025 are now open.
• We require at least 3 weeks’ notice to organise a placement, so make sure to plan ahead!
• Pre-start meeting: We want to make sure the experience is right for you! We’ll have a quick meeting to discuss the details, which can be done via video call if needed.
• Limited spaces: Due to high demand, we may not be able to offer a placement to everyone who applies. We prioritise young people living or studying in the local areas and those with a specific interest in Carnival or outdoor arts.
• If you’re over 19 and looking for a university placement, a specific work experience or shadowing opportunity in a certain area, please get in touch directly outlining your requirements.

What’s Next?

Don’t miss out on future opportunities! If you’re looking for ways to stay involved, check out our volunteering programme or sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming events, workshops, and other ways to get involved.

Global Grooves is not just a place for work experience—it’s a creative community that helps young people discover their passion, build their skills, and launch their careers in the arts. Join us and be part of something exciting!

Opportunities

Opportunities at Global Grooves

At Global Grooves, no two days are the same, and we want to give you a real taste of what it’s like to work in a creative, fast-paced environment. We offer a variety of opportunities where you can gain hands-on experience in different roles, from working with artists and performers to supporting the behind-the-scenes action. Here’s a snapshot of the kinds of work you could be involved in during your time with us:

Marketing and Social Media
Help us tell our story! You could assist in creating content for our website, social media, and other marketing channels, learning how to communicate the exciting work we do to our audiences.

Office Administration
Experience the vital, behind-the-scenes work that keeps an organisation running smoothly. You might help with diary coordination, emails, or making calls, gaining an insight into the important administrative side of our business.

Events Crew and Logistics
Get hands-on with our live events! You’ll help guide our incredible puppets, walkabouts, and performances around the event site, ensuring everything runs smoothly. You’ll also assist with packing and unpacking equipment—think of it as a fun challenge of mental tetris!

Puppet and Costume Maintenance
Our costumes and puppets are at the heart of our work. You’ll be involved in caring for and maintaining them, whether it’s steaming costumes, sewing parts back together, or ensuring they’re ready for the next show.

Music
If you’re studying music or play an instrument, there could be an opportunity for you to join us at our festivals and performances. From rehearsals to live gigs, you can get involved with Global Grooves Bloco and other performances. Join our percussion sessions on Tuesday evenings (7–9 pm) or brass, reeds, and melody rehearsals on Wednesday evenings (7–9 pm).

Dance
If you’re passionate about dance, we invite you to explore performance opportunities with us! Join our Global Grooves Bloco rehearsals to get a feel for the style of dance we do and see where it might lead.

Visual Arts
Interested in getting your hands dirty? You could help our team with batik painting and silk waxing—traditional techniques we use to create vibrant costumes and artwork. Be prepared for a messy, creative experience!

Music and Lighting Tech
If you have an eye for design or an ear for sound, shadowing our lighting and sound technicians could be the perfect opportunity. Learn what’s involved in setting up, running, and packing down live events, while experiencing the magic of live performance.

How to Get Involved

These are just a few of the opportunities we regularly offer, and we’re always looking for passionate young people to join our creative team. If you have a specific role in mind or want to learn more about a particular area, get in touch! We’re committed to giving you a realistic, varied experience and supporting your growth in the creative industries.

Remember, work experience spots are limited, so make sure to apply early and check out our website or social media for updates on voluntary and participatory opportunities!