Creative Pathway (voluntary) 

As a participant in the NCEM Creative Pathway, you will play a key role in welcoming and supporting our audiences. You will gain first-hand experience assisting with front‑of‑house duties, helping to expand our reach to new communities, contributing to audience communications and supporting the delivery of high‑quality visitor experiences (while having the opportunity to attend lots of performances!).

We are looking for proactive, engaging individuals (aged between 18-25) who enjoy meeting new people and building positive relationships. As an ambassador for the NCEM, you will deliver excellent customer service and work closely with our friendly and experienced team to develop your communication, leadership and creative skills.

The NCEM Creative Pathway programme is designed for those aged 18-25 and runs over 2-3 years (depending on applicant availability). It will involve an induction, regular meetings as a creative group at least four times a year, alongside evening and weekend concert shifts.  Participants typically begin their placement in January and support a minimum of 10 events across the year, depending on the concert schedule and your availability.

Key Responsibilities:

Front-of-House Support

• Welcome visitors and create a positive first impression
• Check tickets and assist audience members to their seats
• Manage sales of artist merchandise, including cash handling and end‑of‑event cashing‑up
• Support the Duty Manager during emergency situations and venue evacuations
• Maintain awareness of health, safety and wellbeing for audiences, performers, volunteers and staff

Audience Development & Communication

• Work collaboratively with staff and artists to help increase engagement with our communities and new audiences
• Support social media activity by assisting with photos, content ideas and event promotion
• Contribute ideas to help improve audience experience and enhance NCEM’s public profile

What we expect from you:

• A friendly, outgoing and reliable team member
• Good time‑management and patience when working in a busy environment
• Confidence communicating with people at all levels
• Understanding and sensitivity to the needs of performers and audiences
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and respond appropriately to unexpected issues
• Willingness to follow guidance and refer concerns to NCEM staff when needed
• Some cash‑handling experience
• Fluency in English

What we offer you:

• Hands‑on experience within a thriving arts organisation and internationally recognised festivals
• Opportunities to develop skills, contribute creative ideas and make a visible impact
• A supportive, welcoming team environment in a unique historic venue
• Training and ongoing mentorship through the duration of the programme
• Career guidance and future references
• Free entry to performances (subject to availability)

Events Assistants (casual) 

We are looking for dynamic and professional individuals to join our team of casual events staff working at weddings, conferences, concerts and other events that we run at the NCEM in York. The role is ideal for students and those seeking fun and flexible work.

Key Responsibilities:

Bar work for weddings, parties and concerts includes:

• Serving customers at the bar (including cash/card handling)
• Pouring and serving reception drinks amongst guests
• Collecting and cleaning glasses during events
• Restocking shelves and fridges
• Setting up and clearing away before and after events

Conference/meeting work includes:

• Serving tea/coffee refreshments
• Greeting delegates
• Assisting in the setup of technical facilities as required

Setting up for events includes:

• Setting out seating/tables
• Assembling/disassembling staging
• General housekeeping, tidying and preparing the venue for events

Personal Specification:

• Punctual, reliable, hard-working
• Able to work well alongside others
• Positive work ethic and genuine enthusiasm for providing excellent customer service
• Smart appearance and presentation
• Hands-on and pro-active attitude
• Confident communicator
• Previous experience working in a customer facing and/or hospitality role
• Excellent attention to detail
• Over the age of 18 with the right to live and work in the UK
• Availability during university holidays

The Role:

• Paid at the national minimum wage
•  This is a zero hours contract. Shifts are a combination of midweek shifts for conferences (daytime) and concerts (usually evenings) and weekends for wedding receptions and parties. Shifts are allocated based on your availability.
•  The NCEM will provide appropriate training, which is paid at the national minimum wage.

How to Apply

For more information or to ask questions about the roles, please contact Dr Christopher Roberts, Operations Manager on 01904 632220 or email events@ncem.co.uk.

Please submit a CV and covering letter or a video/audio recording explaining how you meet the personal specification, including relevant experience and details of two referees.  Please complete the equal opportunities monitoring form on application (voluntary).  Applications can be sent by email to events@ncem.co.uk or by post to National Centre for Early Music, St Margaret’s Church, Walmgate, York, YO1 9TL. 

We welcome applications from those who are under-represented in the sector, including but not limited to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, deaf and disabled people, and candidates from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities. For full details of the NCEM’s accessibility please read www.ncem.co.uk/accessibility/.

If your application is shortlisted we would invite you to an interview at the NCEM to meet you and discuss your skills.

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