Care leaver finds hope in music industry internship

In the north-east of England, a care leaver named Kaitlin Robson, age 21, recently secured an internship with Warner Music UK in collaboration with Newcastle-based music development agency, Generator. This opportunity represents a significant step for Kaitlin, who has faced substantial challenges while growing up in the care system, having transitioned through over 30 foster and residential homes. With the prevailing stereotype that often associates care leavers with problematic behaviors, Kaitlin felt that her background could define her future, leading her to believe that meaningful career opportunities might be out of reach due to her upbringing. However, she pursued her passion for music and performance by enrolling in a degree program at Newcastle College while working nights in a local nightclub to support her education. After applying for the six-month internship, Kaitlin experienced a transformative moment when she learned that her application had been successful, likening the experience to a "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory golden ticket moment." The internship is part of a larger effort led by Generator to enrich the music industry in the north-east and provide tangible job opportunities for young people like Kaitlin, who have often been under-represented in this field. Generator CEO Mick Ross emphasized that the organization aims to foster local talent and create paths for young people to solidify their careers in the music business. For Kaitlin, this internship not only marks a significant career milestone but also symbolizes hope and potential change for other care leavers aspiring to follow a similar trajectory in a challenging industry.