Each month we round up five of the most exciting opportunities currently available for young people living on the Isle of Wight, whether that’s from Brave Island or from other organisations we think you should get involved with! Check out our top picks for February below.
Paid National Trust Work Placements
Brave Island is once again partnering with the National Trust to bring you two work placements in 2026. Both placements are one day per week for six months, and paid a stipend of £100/day.
Are you passionate about conservation and love the outdoors? The Ranger placement holder will help the National Trust team to look after our incredible coast and countryside. You can learn more about the role, and apply now by clicking here.
On the research placement the successful candidate will work with the National Trust team to find out more about the histories of people and places associated with the sites they look after, as well as supporting the development of the new Community Hub at Mottistone. Find out more, and apply now by clicking here.
National Youth Theatre Open Auditions
The National Youth Theatre is now holding open auditions at a number of venues across the country, including one in Southampton at Mayflower Studios on Sunday 15th February. The day begins with a group workshop, then you would perform your monologue in a one-to-one audition. If you are not able to attend an in-person audition, you can also audition online via self-tape.
The National Youth Theatre (NYT) offers a range of courses which you can attend from age 14. There are full-time, part-time or virtual courses available to fit around other commitments. On completing a course you’ll become an NYT member, giving you exclusive opportunities including castings for NYT and professional shows, free training, complimentary tickets and whole host of other benefits. Find out more by heading to their website here.
Last chance to apply for Mike Howley Funding
There’s around two weeks left to apply for funding from the Mike Howley Trust. Funds are available for those involved in dance, theatre, film/video, music, and writing. This funding is available for 18-30-year-olds on the Isle of Wight who want to develop their skills, with awards of £500, £1000, and £1,500 available. Funding may be used towards training, coaching, recording, rehearsal space, staging, publishing, purchasing instruments/equipment, research trips, and more!
The application portal closes Sun 15 Feb 11:59pm, you can find out more about how to submit your application here.
New Brave Island Zine now open for submissions!
On Saturday 31st January Brave Island launched Volume 1 of the Brave Island Zine – Now or Never. Which is available to pick up for free at Ventnor Exchange, and features the work of 16 young Islanders. You can also view the full zine online here.
If you’re aged 14-25 and would like to see your work in the Brave Island Zine, you can submit your work now for Volume 2 – Should I stay or Should I go. Deadline for submissions is Monday 30th March
Theatre Craft Online
TheatreCraft is your one stop shop for all things off-stage Theatre careers, whether you’re interested in stage management, prop design or costuming they’ve got workshops for everyone!
We’ve travelled up to London for their in-person events at the Royal Opera House in both 2024 and 2025, but this month you can learn all about off-stage theatre from the comfort of your own home with TheatreCraft online!
On February 10th TheatreCraft are running a series of online sessions, which are free to attend and will give you an insight into off-stage theatre work. You can see their programme of events and apply by clicking here
