AN ON-THE-JOB traineeship at Glasgow’s newly revamped Burrell Collection led to a permanent post for Shawlands woman Leah Sibindi.

And the job also gave her unexpected insight into her own Zimbabwean heritage.

“When I started work at Glasgow Life as an events trainee, I began to research certain pre-colonial objects from my cultural background,” she explained.

Glasgow Times:

“I was really pleased to give a speech to staff about a particular Zimbabwean shield, which then went on display at the Glasgow Museums Resource Centre where it remains today.”

The shield belonged to King Lobengula Khumalo, ruler of the AmaNdebele nation of Matebeleland from 1870 to 1894.

Glasgow Life’s world cultures curator Patricia Allan said Leah’s speech had been “passionate, informative and powerful.”

She added: “Leah is a capable, enthusiastic and talented researcher, open to ideas and to sharing her Ndebele heritage with the museum-going public.

“As her curatorial mentor, I was impressed by the way she unflinchingly took on the complex tasks and responsibilities of curating a solo exhibition and also co-produced a hard-hitting social media film on drought in Zimbabwe for the COP26 Voices from the Frontline project.”

Leah started with Glasgow Life via the Next Step Initiative, which places people of African and minority ethnic backgrounds into traineeship roles. The trainees undertake an SVQ Level 3 Museums and Galleries Practice qualification as part of the placement. She is one of four trainees given permanent roles at the Burrell following successful placements.

READ MORE: Volunteer, 91, first visitor to revamped Burrell Collection in Glasgow

Carolina Perez, of Govan, who also joined Glasgow Life via NSI as an outreach trainee, and former modern apprentice technician Rowan Chalmers, who lives in the West End, are both gallery assistants at the Burrell; and Glen Cruickshank, of Carntyne, who was a digital modern apprentice for two and a half years was recently successful in securing the Burrell AV technician post under digital media manager David Scott.

Glen said: “My role during my modern apprenticeship involved installing the hardware that makes up the digital displays, which included fitting PCs and screens. I also had the opportunity to assist on the film editing process. It was really rewarding.

“I feel like I’ve learned a lot, not just in digital but at Glasgow Museums as a whole. It’s been really exciting working on a big project like this and seeing the digital aspect of the museum come together is really satisfying.

Yla Barrie added: “Glasgow Life Museums employability programmes aim to engage with people eager to learn, develop skills and secure employment in the cultural and heritage sector.

"Glen, Leah, Carolina and Rowan all showed great determination, creativity and flexibility throughout the pandemic. They adapted to home and hybrid working, sought out opportunities to learn and engage, and have been exceptional both in attitude and aptitude.

"Their success is also testament to the commitment of their Glasgow Life Museums staff mentors, who have ensured they were a valued part of our teams, even in the most difficult times during the pandemic.

"We are delighted to have all of the trainees and apprentices in the permanent workforce and we know they will continue to contribute to a sector benefitting from their fresh ideas and enthusiasm.”

For Leah, her new role has been an eye-opener.

“I enjoy welcoming visitors and getting their take on the 'new' Burrell,” she said.

“So far, it’s been amazing.”