Young Thugs has community at its heart, here’s some of the projects we run and are involved with…

Globally, women and underrepresented genders make up only 2% of producers in the music industry, a shocking statistic that needs addressing in order to create a more equal cultural scene.

Level Opportunities, an initiative by Young Thugs now in its second year, aims to redress this balance, offering people who identify as a woman or other underrepresented gender in music the chance to learn from the experts via a hands on course – 28 sessions/days over a seven month period – tailored to each participant and encompassing clear goals and achievements.

The opportunity

A seven month paid studio placement and career development programme.

Based at Young Thugs in a professional recording studio, this opportunity is for three 18-25’s (18-30 if you identify as disabled) who identify as a woman or any other underrepresented gender in music production.

To overcome barriers young people may face to accessing a career in music we will cover access costs such as travel and childcare.

LEVEL is a 360 package offering expert training in music production and studio engineering, as well as many other areas of the music industry. We will tailor each programme around the individual and design a bespoke timeline of delivery that will encompass clear goals and achievements. In addition to the one-to-one support from an industry expert, each young person will also gain;

  • Full access to our industry network and partners

  • Invited and funded to attend conferences and music events

  • Support in creating an online platform for their portfolio of work

  • Access to some of the country’s leading figures in music

  • Self employment and freelance support enabling them to reach employment outside of the programme and safeguarding them from exploitation

  • A mentor and monthly check ins

  • A further budget for childcare, travel and other associated costs which may come as a barrier to engage

  • The opportunity to be involved in the full creative concept of either their own music or through production credits

  • The opportunity to be released through Young Thugs Records and put in front of the Managing Director of EMI

  • Our online LEVEL Opportunities community

  • Peer to peer support

This programme is designed for young people who may have experienced various social, financial, geographical, and educational barriers throughout their lives, and give them experience in music tech to build their portfolio and CV so they can work towards further or higher education or freelance employment.

How to apply

Apply by answering these questions in writing, or in a video or audio recording via the link below.

  • What’s your name, age and location?

  • Where would you like to see yourself in 5 years?

  • Why do you feel you would like to take this opportunity now?

  • How would this opportunity help you moving forward?

  • What previous music experience do you have

  • Do you have any access requirements?

Please read the Application Guide before applying, and make sure you submit an Equal Opportunities form.

To chat more or to ask any questions, or discuss alternative ways of applying please get in touch.

Email: yssi@youngthugs.com

Phone/Text/Whatsapp: 07920839552

Young Thugs
South Bank Social Club,
Ovington Terrace,
York, YO23 1DJ

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from some of the past Levellers…

Other community projects.

  • Alongside Kaizen Arts Agency we host an annual live music and illustration festival in York, offering a platform for local bands to perform alongside more established acts.

  • Every year we partner with the York Design Week team who offer a full programme of free community events focussing on how to make things better.

  • We are involved with York Creatives, a network shining a light on creatives within the city, contributing in whatever way we can