A new programme called Youth Backstage is about to be launched, aimed at encouraging 11- to 18-year-olds with an interest in the events industry to develop their skills.

Designed to provide young people from all walks of life with first-hand experience of organising an event – from arts to sport – Youth Backstage was initially piloted last year.

The scheme will be launched at this year’s Cathcart Spring Proms at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 19 May before it is rolled out to venues and events around the UK.

Young event organisers will be able to shadow event teams for a day and gain exposure to the range of disciplines that event organising requires through a combination of work experience, tours, practical demonstrations and team building exercises.

Youth Backstage’s Chris Palmer-Jeffery said: “Having trialed this idea, I can vouch that those who spent the day with us came away inspired. If this vocational experience shapes their career decisions, it can only be a good thing.”