The MID Training/Apprenticeship programme was informally started after the launch of the 1-year full-time dance training programme in 1992. It was hoped that this programme would offer talented dancers from underprivileged backgrounds the opportunity to further develop skills such as performance, choreography, and arts administration, enabling them to enhance their dance careers in the industry or start their own community projects.

Currently, in South Africa, the unemployment rate averages 35% and continues to rise. This sheds light on the fact that the SA economy does not have much room for employment for the youth who matriculate each year. Therefore, a programme such as this equips youth to embark on their own income-generating activities through skills development.

A core factor governing youth unemployability is a lack of access to hands-on training. Through the MID Training/Apprenticeship programme, we intend to provide intensive practical training to talented youth from marginalised areas in various provinces, townships and rural areas. They will gain practical skills in choreography/performance, dance teaching, administration, and project management while earning a stipend. Our vast graduate network across the country has urged MID to continue with such training as there is a lack of these in the Arts and Culture sector in provinces such as Mpumalanga, North-West, Limpopo, Eastern & Northern Cape & the Free State.

As part of this 2nd and 3rd year training participants engage in:

1. Performing – the participants present works nationally; in professional theatres, schools and community centres.
2. Teaching – participants travel to schools (twice per week), to teach dance and Edudance as part of the Arts and Culture Learning Area. They also create works with learners, which are presented during the MID annual season. They also teach some practical classes for the first-year course and teach classes to their peers, who assess them.
3. Choreography – participants are mentored to choreograph dance works.These are presented during platforms for young choreographers and some are eventually selected to become part of the their repertoire.
4. Administration/project management – trainees are also mentored to do administration. They assist in the running of the Recreational dance class programme on Saturdays, and co-ordinate performances in schools where they teach, as part of the outreach projects.