Young People's Programmes

L-INK are a group of young people aged 16-24 who work with the Laing Art Gallery and Hatton Gallery to organise events, work with artists and create artworks.

In the past, L-INK have worked on facilitated projects with gallery staff, and have had the opportunity to meet artists, curators and different gallery teams. They have created artworks and events and made creative interpretations of works from the Laing and Hatton art collections.

Learn more about what L-INK have been doing recently.

Email learning@laingartgallery.org.uk to ask a question about L-INK and find out how you can get involved.

Young People's Programmes at Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums are sponsored by Hodgson Sayers.

John Sayers, Managing Director of Hodgson Sayers said: 

"We absolutely recognise the importance of developing young people and allowing them to flourish and do great things. Apprentices are the lifeblood of our company and ensuring we give them the very best platform to grow is very important to us. Indeed, many of our young tradespeople have won regional and national honours for their skills. For this reason we see a very natural link with the programmes that we will be supporting alongside Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums."

Image credit: North Tyneside Steam Railway Association

The Youth Group at Stephenson Steam Railway meets to learn about various aspects of operating a heritage railway, from mechanical engineering and personal safety to track maintenance and vegetation clearance.

Many of our young volunteers have gone on to pursue careers within the rail industry.

The Youth Group is currently at full capacity and we are exploring options to increase the number of members we can take.

Email david.grindley@twmuseums.org.uk to ask a question about Stephenson Steam Railway Youth Group.

We offer museum volunteering opportunites for people aged 16 and older.

We also offer family volunteering, where under 16s can volunteer alongside a parent or guardian.

Find out more about our volunteering programme.

Each year, we are able to offer a number of one-week work experience placements for students in Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5.

This is a great opportunity to get a taste of what it’s like to work in a museum or gallery, with the chance to spend some time with staff and work on a project, covering a variety of departments and venues.

Learn more about school work experience placements.

Email volunteering@twmuseums.org.uk to ask a question about work experience.

We regularly attend careers fairs in Tyne & Wear, bringing museum handling objects with us. 

Staff from various different departments attend, talking to young people about the wide variety of careers available in the museum sector, including:

• Archives
• Collections management
• Marketing, communcations, digital and graphic design
• Curating exhibitions
• Development and fundraising
• Customer service, retail and trading
• Human resources, governance and finance
• Learning and engagement
• Outreach and community work.

Email volunteering@twmuseums.org.uk to ask us about attending your careers fair.

We work in partnership with Newcastle University and Northumbria University to facilitate placements for students on specific courses, including Museum, Gallery and Heritage Studies and Occupational Health.

Occasionally, we are able to offer placements on request.

Email volunteering@twmuseums.org.uk to ask a question about student placements.