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Celebrities train for second careers

An increasing number of celebrities are actively seeking new skills and launching second careers, according to new research from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Celebrities including Helena Christensen, Joss Stone, Wayne Rooney and Mischa Barton are all keeping their options open by acquiring new skills to secure their futures.

North East born Robson Green is an example of someone who has embraced training to pursue a new career, but in his case his change in direction put him on the road to stardom. He started out as an apprentice draughtsman at Swan Hunter shipyard, where he worked for three years.

He had caught the acting bug while at school and decided to realise his show business ambitions by quitting his job at Swans and beginning drama training with the Live Theatre in Newcastle.

Topping the list of celebrity second careers is Catering & Hospitality, with numerous celebrities including Robbie Williams, Jay-Z and Jennifer Lopez opening restaurants or training as chefs, such as former EastEnders star Sid Owen and Sam Branson, son of Richard Branson, who opted out of a career in the Virgin empire and instead trained as a chef at Le Cordon Bleu.

Earlier this year, Wayne Rooney went back to school to achieve his Maths GCSE qualification, whilst Mischa Barton opted to enrol at RADA last summer.

Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “These celebrities prove that what ever walk of life you are from training is vital if you are to pursue a fulfilling career. There are lots of great courses and learning options available for those that want to get a star-studded career of their own. There has never been a better time to learn new, or build on existing, skills in this country and you may be eligible for free learning.”

For information on different courses and details of funding options visit www.lsc.gov.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .