Last week marked a significant milestone for the Youth Forum as it welcomed its 100th member. This achievement not only underscores the forum’s importance but also highlights the pressing need for such a platform to support young people and early careers in the heritage sector.
The Youth Forum’s journey so far
Nearly two years ago, the Youth Forum met for the first time. The group, recruited by the Network’s former Heritage Trainee, Fae, comprised 12 early-career professionals and young people eager to enter the sector. Over subsequent months, they established the objectives of the forum and grew significantly.
Since then, the Youth Forum has taken an active approach to finding its place in the heritage sector and has worked to co-produce events and activities both in collaboration with other heritage organisations and independently. Its accomplishments include:
- Regular blogs.
- A podcast channel.
- Spoken at 2 in-person events.
- Created an online Advice Library that is available to everyone and is constantly developing.
- Consulted with other heritage organisations on starting youth groups.
- Hosted multiple online events, including a job application event last month with over 60 attendees.
- ‘Took over’ Historic England’s online community Heritage Connects inviting heritage organisations to ask us questions about being a young person in heritage. It was the platform’s most engaged with event.
- Having a representative at Heritage Alliance’s debate in 2023 Careers at a Crossroads: How Can We Futureproof the Heritage Sector Workforce? who made the case for early careers.
- Negotiated funded Carbon Literacy training for members with Historic England for members.
- Changed the way the Youth Forum is run, and recently recruited a new steering committee.
What is next for the Youth Forum?
The 100-member-strong forum is determined to keep this momentum going. This month, you will be able to find the Youth Forum represented at careers fairs in Scotland, England, and Wales, and they will be hosting an online event focused on developing skills necessary for a career in heritage.
The forum is currently developing its offer to the heritage sector and will be expanding its consultancy offer to include placemaking as well as working with young people and early careers.
You can find out more about the Youth Forum here.
Are you interested in working with the Youth Forum? Email YouthForum@heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk.
