Jess' Specialist Subject in TV

THIS time last year, when Jessica Houghton, 17, was trying to decide between college or looking for a job, she had no idea how the future would turn out.

At school her specialist subject had always been media. But she had no idea that interest would eventually lead her to a stint in TV’s famous black chair.

“I’ve been working on Mastermind!” confides Jess, who is one of only 20 media apprentices, chosen to take part in the UK’s first-ever Advanced Apprenticeships in Media Production.

Designed specifically for people who wouldn’t usually get the chance to work in TV, some of the biggest names in TV, including the BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures and the Red Production Company, joined forces to offer 16-22-year-olds the chance to take part in this first-ever media apprenticeship scheme.

Devised by Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film and digital content industries, together with the BBC, Skillset, BECTU and the Learning and Skills Council, nearly 300 Northwest young people originally applied for the apprenticeship scheme. But as Jessica admits, she very nearly missed the deadline.

“I didn’t plan to apply for an apprenticeship because the scheme was only launched last summer, and by then I’d sort of set my heart on going to college,” explains Jessica, a former pupil at Bedford High School, Leigh.

Two days before the deadline, however, Jessica’s careers teacher sent her a letter about the new apprenticeships. Even then, Jess wasn’t convinced. “It was only when my dad read all the details and said it sounded like such a great opportunity that I decided to apply.”

In August, Jess made it to the short-list of 70 people invited to an assessment day the BBC. “Because the scheme was so new, I think even the people running the assessment day were nervous – none of us had ever done anything like it before, so we didn’t know what to expect,” says Jessica, who was asked to come up with her idea for TV programme, and pitch it to her peers.

“I was really nervous, but gave it my best shot,” she says. And it was enough to clinch her a prized place on the paid apprenticeship scheme – though she still waited a week before accepting.

“I wanted to wait for my exam results before making a final decision about my future,” she explains. Her results were good enough to allow her into college, but Jess opted for the apprenticeship instead.

“When I really thought about it, I realised the apprenticeship opportunity was too good to give up,” explains Jess.

Starting in September 2007, Jess and her fellow trainees spent the first three months of their apprenticeships at college, studying for an Industry Induction Certificate.

During her time at college, Jess was put in touch with an industry mentor, Christine Kenrick, a BBC Entertainment Talent Manager. They met every two weeks to talk about Jess’ progress, and it was Christine who helped Jess secure her first placement at the BBC.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was asked to work on Mastermind,” confides Jess. “I’d watched the programme before, but suddenly I was actually working within the Entertainment Department that produces it.

“I’ve done so much in the time I’ve been here,” she says. “To start with I sat in on the contestant auditions and took notes, then I did general admin tasks, putting contestant packs together, and I went on to help find new audiences for new programmes.

“I’ve even done some research and writing the questions for the Mastermind online quiz. And I’ve watched every single episode recorded, so I know all the answers to all the questions – I’ll be able to show off when it’s eventually broadcast!”

And it’s not just Mastermind that Jess is now an expert on. “I got to work on Crimewatch for a day,” she explains. “I had to meet and greet the actors who were taking part in the reconstructions, help them fill in forms and take their photograph, then I watched the auditions and even helped the director choose which actors to use.”

The Mastermind placement has certainly broadened Jess’ awareness of the industry, showing her just how many opportunities there are.

At school she’d done a BTEC first diploma in media, which included some editing/post-production, and which she’d really enjoyed. And at college, when the apprentices were asked to make a short film, she opted to edit it, rather than getting involved in pre-production. “But since I’ve come here and done Mastermind, I’m becoming really interested in pre-production. It’s really opened my eyes to all the other possibilities out there,” she confides.

After another stint in college, Jess started her second placement at Sumners in Whitworth Street, Manchester, further exploring her interest in editing. In all, she’ll complete five placements during the 18-month apprenticeship.

Several of her friends are, understandably, envious of her apparently glamorous job. “I think some have found that college isn’t as exciting as they thought it would be, and they’re getting tired of the homework side of thing,” she says.

Jess, meanwhile, is loving her apprenticeship. “My dad has told me he’s so proud of me and what I’m doing, and my boyfriend, Phillip, has been brilliant. He really encouraged me to accept the apprenticeship, and I’m so grateful, because I think it’s definitely the best move I’ve ever made,” she adds.