Stuart Gibbons OBE appointed patron of the Young Technicians Academy
March 23, 2022
Young Technicians Academy are delighted and proud to announce Stuart Gibbons OBE as patron of the Academy, alongside actors Hayley Burroughs and Annabelle Davis as performing arts patrons.
The announcement comes as the Academy celebrates six months since opening its first building in Yaxley, near Peterborough. The Academy offers training to young people in performing and production arts, including sound, lighting, stage and event management, and media production.
Stuart Gibbons OBE is the joint Managing Director of Le Mark Group, an international supplier in the arts and entertainment industry. On his appointment as patron, Mr Gibbons said: “The Young Technicians Academy is a unique and much needed facility, training the next generation of events and entertainment personnel. I am honoured to be appointed as patron happy to lend my support to their endeavors.”
Hayley Burroughs commented: “It’s nice to be able to help younger generations to get into the industry. I want to support where I can, helping others to get the best opportunities.”
Annabelle Davis added: “It’s an honour to be an ambassador for The Young Technicians Academy. I’m excited to see young people realise their talent and start working with them in the industry!”
The announcement of Patrons coincides with the launch of its BTEC programme. The first cohort will start in September 2022 and students will be able to choose between performing arts and production arts. These post 16 qualifications are unique to the area, giving learners a wider option for their studies and helping to plug skills gap created in the industry as a result of the pandemic. Applications are currently being taken and are available by contacting reception@youngtechacademy.co.uk
Young Technicians CEO, Pino Soccio stated: “We are indebted to the huge levels of support shown to us by our patrons over the past six months while we find our feet in the new building. Young Technicians has developed beyond recognition since its inception back in 2016. Annabelle, Hayley and Stuart will, undoubtedly, be a great asset to the services we provide for young people, helping them on the route to employment within the industry.”
Harrison Fuller, Business Development Manager, explained: “Since moving into the Academy we have been able to develop courses for home educated students, an alternative education provision working with the local authority, and grow our in-house education programmes including the post 16 offering. The support shown by such esteemed industry professionals as our patrons is humbling.”