Stage set for a dream role

Unemployed for two years Hassan Ahmed was anxious.

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He dreamed of a job in the arts but feared it was out of his reach. But when he completed The King’s Trust 12-week self-development programme, he realised his potential. Today, Hassan, 21, from Birmingham is an Apprentice Running Wardrobe Assistant at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

What do you do day-to-day?

Honestly, some weeks I can be doing something different every day. That's the great thing about being an apprentice — you get to do a lot of different things you might not get a chance to do if it wasn't your job to be learning.

On an average day, I might help set up a show by doing maintenance like ironing and repairs, so the show costumes are exactly like they were for the previous performance, and the one before that. Then, I might assist someone with their work backstage and help do all the things before and after the show with them.

Is it all new and exciting?

It's a really exciting place to work. You're constantly meeting new people. Shows are coming in and out. I knew virtually nothing about what Running Wardrobe did as a department before coming here so it was all a surprise — in a good way.