Northwest Vision and Media, create the bigger picture
Big Broadcasting Break for Northwest Young People
SOME of the biggest names in TV have joined forces to offer twenty 16-22-year-olds from the Northwest the chance to take their first steps on the career ladder.
The BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures and the Red Production Company are backing the country’s first, ground-breaking, Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production, which has been devised by Northwest Vision and Media, Skillset, and the Learning and Skills Council.
Apprentices from Bolton, Preston, Manchester, Salford and Southport are involved in the UK’s first-ever scheme.
“As this is the first time we’ve offered an apprenticeship of this kind, we weren’t sure what kind of response it would get. But it’s been phenomenal!” says Lynne McCadden, Managing Director of Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s TV, film, radio and digital content industries.
“This is the first opportunity for young people who don’t have GCSE maths or English, to still be able to apply for an apprenticeship which offers so much potential for their future career.”
With over 300 applications to the new apprenticeship scheme, twenty young people from across the region have now been offered, and accepted, a place on the training scheme – which starts this week.
The apprentices will study and work in TV, radio, post production, on-line and on new devices such as mobile technology and gaming.
The apprenticeship is aimed at making the industry more accessible and inclusive to young people who may not normally get a chance to work in this sector, helping to provide the skilled workforce needed for the development of mediacity:uk at Salford Quays, which will include the BBC’s new headquarters in the north of England, as well as hundreds of other media based businesses.
Funded by the Learning and Skills Council, BBC, Skillset and Northwest Vision and Media, the development of the apprenticeship has involved leading media organisations and agencies across the Northwest working together to make their vision a reality. Other partners include Connexions and the Manchester media Centre of Vocational Excellence (CoVE).
Margaret McClelland, Development Executive BBC North Project, says: “The BBC has been delighted to spearhead this industry initiative, from its initial conception through to the identification and recruitment of a new generation of exciting young talent from across the Northwest. This is a fantastic example of a true collaborative approach delivering results, with each of the partners playing a pivotal role.
“Recruiting young people from different backgrounds, different cultures and with different life experiences will ensure that our programming continues to be innovative and truly resonates with all our audiences,” she adds.
The 18-month programme will offer the selected young people the chance to develop a wide range of skills through a combination of college based learning and work experience to include the essentials of journalism, technical skills and production. The apprentices will work towards an NVQ Level 3 qualification.
