Big Noise Empowers Young People in Scotland through Music and Education

Strategic Insights -

Big Noise, a groundbreaking music and social change program run by Sistema Scotland, is helping young people in Scotland take their first steps on the career ladder through Modern Apprenticeships, internships, and other initiatives. The program provides vital work experience, boosts skills and confidence, and supports participants in reaching their full potential. Since 2022, Sistema Scotland has been offering work experience through Modern Apprenticeships and internships to its participants, with eight young people taking part in the internship program this summer.

Key Takeaways:

  • Big Noise, launched in 2008 in Raploch, Stirling, now has six centers supporting almost 4,000 children and young people across Scotland.
  • The program offers Modern Apprenticeships, internships, and other initiatives to provide young people with vital work experience, skills, and confidence.
  • 98% of Big Noise participants in Raploch went on to a positive post-school destination, as found in a long-term evaluation published in 2022 by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health.
  • Interns at Big Noise spend the summer gaining work experience by helping with administration and classes, preparing them for education and the real world.
  • Young people like Andrew, studying software engineering at university, and Dominika, studying criminology and law at college, have praised the internship program for helping them develop skills and confidence.
  • Sistema Scotland's chief executive, Vicky Williams, hopes that the skills and experience gained over the summer will help young interns as they prepare for life after Big Noise.

Statistics:

  • Almost 4,000 children and young people are supported by Big Noise across Scotland.
  • 98% of Big Noise participants in Raploch went on to a positive post-school destination.
  • Big Noise has six centers, including Raploch and Fallin in Stirling, Douglas in Dundee, and Govanhill in Glasgow.
  • The program helps participants develop vital life skills such as confidence, resilience, creativity, and aspiration.

Sources:

  • Sistema Scotland's internship program for young people.
  • Vicky Williams, Sistema Scotland chief executive.
  • Glasgow Centre for Population Health, "Evaluation of Big Noise" (2022).
  • Big Noise program participants, including Andrew and Dominika.
  • "Strengthening Communities through Music and Education" (press release).