Care leaver 'overjoyed' by local music opportunity

A care leaver said it was a "golden ticket moment" to get the opportunity to pursue her dream career in music, without having to relocate to London.

Kaitlin Robson, 21, who is from Gilsland on the Cumbria and Northumberland border, landed a coveted internship with Warner Music UK and Newcastle-based music development agency Generator.

She had spent much of her childhood in the care system moving through more than 30 foster and residential homes, but she said her experiences were under-represented in the music industry.

Generator CEO Mick Ross said the internships would help "build up the music industry in the north-east of England".

Ms Robson, who now lives in Newcastle, said the stereotype of being in care meant people thought she was a "problem child".

"I thought that defined me and I wouldn't be able to have a good career because of it," she said, adding care leavers were "under-represented" in the music industry.

Determined to succeed, she pursued a degree in Popular Music Performance at Newcastle College while working nights at a nightclub to fund her studies.

She said she burst into tears when she found out her application for the six-month internship had been successful.

Ms Robson said: "It felt like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory golden ticket moment."

Mr Ross said Ms Robson was one of three people who had been through the programme, gaining experience in the music business.

"Ultimately what we want for these young people is jobs at the end so they can go away, gain that experience and help us build up the music industry in the North East," he said.

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