Cultural Learning & Participation Officer
Inspire Communities. Create Impact. The apprenticeship for people who bring arts, culture, heritage, and wellbeing to life - in charities, NHS trusts, museums, tourism, theatres, and community organisations.
Watch: Lead Programmes That Inspire Communities
Discover how this apprenticeship builds cultural leaders with coaching skills, safeguarding knowledge, and three embedded qualifications.
Built for Everyone Who Brings Culture to Life
Charity & Third Sector Officers
Build engagement and impact in your charity. Lead cultural and learning programmes that make a difference in your community.
NHS Trust Arts & Wellbeing Leads
Bring culture and creative wellbeing into healthcare. Lead arts activities that improve patient and staff experience.
Museum & Heritage Coordinators
Make museums and heritage sites come alive. Develop learning programmes and community engagement that preserve and celebrate culture.
Tourism & Visitor Experience Officers
Create memorable experiences for visitors. Lead cultural engagement and storytelling that showcase your destination.
Theatre & Performing Arts Administrators
Support artists and audiences. Manage learning, outreach, and community engagement for theatres and performance spaces.
Local Authority Culture Teams
Lead cultural policy and delivery at council level. Develop programmes that strengthen communities and cultural participation.
3 Industry Qualifications - At No Extra Cost
CMI Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring
Coach and mentor in cultural settings. Assessed through coaching practice with participants, colleagues, and volunteers.
NCFE Level 2 Equality & Diversity
Understand and advance equality in cultural settings. Assessed through workplace application and promoting inclusive programmes.
Safeguarding Level 2
Protect vulnerable people in cultural settings. Industry-standard safeguarding knowledge. Assessed through knowledge and workplace practice.
13 Core Modules
Your Role as a Cultural Leader
Understand your role in cultural organisations. Develop your professional identity. Set learning goals.
Community Engagement & Participation
Engage and inspire communities. Understand what drives participation. Build programmes people want to join.
Coaching & Mentoring in Cultural Settings
Coach artists, participants, volunteers. Develop coaching skills through real practice.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Make cultural programmes inclusive and accessible. Understand equality frameworks.
Safeguarding & Vulnerable People
Protect vulnerable participants, young people, artists. Safeguarding Level 2 knowledge.
Planning & Delivering Cultural Programmes
Design and deliver cultural activities. From idea to evaluation.
Working with Artists & Creatives
Support and develop artists. Commission work. Foster creative collaboration.
Wellbeing & Cultural Impact
Understand how culture impacts wellbeing. Design programmes that improve health and quality of life.
Evaluation & Impact Measurement
Measure impact of cultural programmes. Collect evidence. Report on outcomes.
Partnerships & Funding
Build partnerships. Understand funding landscape. Develop funding bids. Sustain programmes.
Advocacy & Championing Culture
Advocate for culture in your organisation and sector. Influence decision-makers.
Leading Your Cultural Programme
Capstone: Design a new or enhanced cultural programme. Plan, deliver, evaluate, report.
Reflection & Professional Development
Consolidate learning. Reflect on growth as a cultural leader. Prepare for EPA.
Your Learner Journey
Foundations & Community Engagement
Kick off your cohort. Establish your role and identity. Begin community engagement and coaching practice. Start building your portfolio.
Coaching & Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Develop your coaching practice with real participants. Complete EDI module. Begin assessment through observation and workplace practice.
Programme Leadership & Capstone
Lead your cultural programme capstone project. Deliver real activities. Measure impact. Prepare Gateway assessment.
Gateway Assessment & Final Preparation
Pass Gateway (test your KSBs). Finalise portfolio. Complete all qualifications. Prepare for EPA.
End-Point Assessment
Professional Discussion with independent assessor. Present your cultural programme and impact. Receive apprenticeship completion confirmation.
Why Choose TESS Group
Ofsted Good
Independent inspection rated us Good across all areas. Quality, care, and outcomes that matter.
Google 4.9/5 Stars
Real reviews from apprentices in cultural roles across museums, theatres, charities, and NHS trusts.
CMI & NCFE Accredited
Our qualifications are designed with CMI and NCFE. Your credentials are valued across the cultural sector.
ST0396 Specialists
We are specialist providers of the Cultural Learning & Participation Officer standard. Deep sector expertise.
Sector-Experienced Mentors
Your mentor understands cultural sector challenges. Real guidance on programmes, fundraising, and community building.
Fully Funded
If your organisation operates the levy, there's no training cost. Invest in your career without barriers.
"This apprenticeship gave me the confidence and qualifications to lead cultural programmes in my charity. My team's engagement has grown, and I've built the evidence to show the real impact of culture on our community."
- Cultural Officer, Arts Charity
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone working in the cultural and community sector - charities, NHS trusts, museums, theatres, tourism, local authorities. If you bring culture, arts, or wellbeing to life in your role, this is for you.
Three qualifications embedded in the programme: CMI Level 3 Coaching & Mentoring, NCFE Level 2 Equality & Diversity, and Safeguarding Level 2 Certification.
The £8,000 programme is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. If your organisation operates the levy, there's no training cost. TESS Group helps employers maximise available funding.
EPA (ST0396) has three components: a Professional Discussion (60 min), Portfolio of Evidence, and Observation of Practice. Assessed by Aim Awards.
Yes - the programme is designed for working professionals. All learning is applied to your real workplace and cultural programmes.
Ready to Advance Your Cultural Career?
Join the apprenticeship designed for the cultural and community sector. Earn recognised qualifications. Lead programmes that inspire communities.