BECOMING a professional musician has always been a dream for local folk singer and harpist Holly Karlsen, but now that dream looks destined to become a reality thanks to support and training from the Okehampton branch of Action for Employment.
Through the New Deal for Musicians scheme, Holly, who is from Okehampton, has been assisted in obtaining funding to support her musical career and has performed several gigs across Somerset and Devon.
After finding herself on the unemployment register, Holly was referred to Action for Employment (A4E) under the 18-24 New Deal programme.
Here she was assigned her own personal advisor to help her achieve her goals and gain invaluable knowledge and experience of the music industry.
As a talented harpist, her objectives were to increase her chances of finding suitable employment through her music and singing skills.
Through A4E which is based at Market Street, Okehampton, she also benefited from advice on obtaining funding and her harp was purchased for her by The Prince's Trust.
Holly, who is now 26, explained: 'I had been hoping to use my musical and singing skills for a long time but did not really know how to go about it.
'The team at Okehampton A4E have been fantastic and helped me believe in myself and my abilities.
'Performing gigs has now become almost second nature to me, thanks to the support and encouragement I have had. In August I performed at the Exmouth Festival and I am currently putting together a CD.'
Holly's personal advisor Arthur Cook said Holly already had an exceptional musical talent and willingness to work hard but one of the things he and his colleagues had done was to help build self confidence which was important in helping clients to find employment in their chosen field.
'We are delighted with Holly's current achievements and wish her every success in the future,' he said.
Action for Employment helps people under the New Deal scheme who have been unemployed for approximately six months. To find out more phone 01837 55533.