CASE STUDIES

Nia Yorke

In 2016 Nia Yorke, 21 from Cardiff completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media with Sgil Cymru. Whilst completing her apprenticeship Nia worked as a Production Specialist Apprentice for ITV Cymru Wales in Cardiff.

 

Prior to applying for the apprenticeship, Nia was studying Media, Graphic Design and Sociology in Sixth Form. Whilst studying Nia knew that she didn’t want to go to university and that she wanted to start a career in the creative industries as soon as possible.

 

As an apprentice Nia was trained as part of the Technical Team that would output regional news across Wales. The majority of Nia’s time was spent working Autocue and as a Production Assistant.

 

Nia said:

I worked daily on the ITV Cymru Wales lunchtime bulletin, late bulletin and the flagship programme, Wales at Six. I was also lucky enough to work on a programme for the 50th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster.

 

Whilst working for ITV Cymru Wales and completing the apprenticeship Nia was still only in her late teens. Due to her age, Nia worried that she wouldn’t fit in with her team, due to them all having worked in the job for more than 10, 20 and 30 years. These thoughts were put at ease once Nia had started work and fitted into her team.

 

Nia said:

Being part of a more experienced team, I have matured tenfold.

 

Following her apprenticeship, Nia started working freelance for ITV Cymru Wales and has continued to do so ever since.

 

In addition to working for ITV Cymru Wales Nia has worked on a number of other projects including Cardiff Singer of the World 2017, Eisteddfod yr Urdd and The Big Painting Challenge.

 

In addition to completing her apprenticeship, Nia was nominated by Sgil Cymru for the 2017 Quality Skills Alliance (QSA) Awards which celebrates the apprenticeship success of the QSA’s standout apprentices from the past year.

 

Nia said:

I was honoured to win the 2017 QSA Award for Creative Industries Apprentice of the Year as the result of my apprenticeship. This looks great on my CV and helps me get more work.

 

Without the apprenticeship, Nia wouldn’t have had as many opportunities this early on in her professional career. No university would be able to emulate the training that Nia has experienced as a result of the apprenticeship.

 

Nia said:

My confidence as a professional in the media industry has grown and I’m much more content in my role with my skills constantly evolving on a daily basis. I wouldn’t be where I am without this apprenticeship.

Jac Bryant

In 2016 Jac, 23 from Barry, completed a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media with Sgil Cymru. For the duration of his apprenticeship, Jac worked as a Junior Graphics Design Apprentice for Orchard Media and Events Group in Cardiff.

 

Before the apprenticeship Jac was studying Art and Design at Cardiff Arts Academy, and whilst there Jac heard about the apprenticeship opportunities available. Following his own bit of research Jac attended an open day where he learnt more about the opportunities and listened to the success stories of past apprentices.

 

Jac said:

It felt like an opportunity that I couldn’t miss out on.

 

His work as an apprentice included designing posters, adverts and videos to help publicise the wealth of events that Orchard manage.

 

Jac said:

Whilst working at Orchard I have been able to work on projects for clients such as UEFA, FAW, Airbus, S4C and various artists such as Noel Gallagher and Elton John to name just a few.

 

The apprenticeship didn’t come without its difficulties for Jac. The task of learning all the processes and techniques was an immense one, but with the support of his co-workers, Jac quickly excelled in his role.

 

Following his apprenticeship, Jac was offered a full-time position with Orchard due to his continued passion and hard work. Since then Jac has continued to work within the Studio Design team at Orchard, as a Junior Designer. With the skills he learnt on the apprenticeship Jac is looking forward to progressing in his role at Orchard.

 

Jac said:

I feel that I have become a more capable, competent and confident person as a result of completing the apprenticeship.

Ellis Clark

Ellis Clark, 22 from Brynmawr, started his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media in 2015. Whilst completing his apprenticeship Ellis worked as an Apprentice Craft Editor for ITV Cymru Wales.

 

Before the apprenticeship, Ellis worked as a Video Editor for BRfm Radio. As part of his role, Ellis produced and edited music and event videos as well as completing sound and social media work. After his time with BRfm came to an end Ellis was keen to carry on with a career in the creative industries, and after doing some research and finding the apprenticeship opportunities Ellis decided to apply.

 

Ellis said:

I was looking to further my career in the media industry and I knew an apprenticeship would be a good way to start.

 

As Apprentice Craft Editor Ellis edited videos with Avid software and created graphics on a daily basis. Ellis also created promos for the different programmes that aired on ITV Cymru Wales. One of his apprenticeship highlights was editing videos for the live broadcast and highlights of the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

 

Ellis said:

Whilst working as an apprentice I was able to be part of a number of different projects including Wales at Six, Reels on Wheels and Welsh Politician of the Year.

 

Following his apprenticeship, Ellis secured a job as Production Specialist for ITV Cymru Wales and continues to work there.

 

Ellis said:

Every day can be different as a Production Specialist. One day I might be doing sound for the news programme and the next I could be directing. It’s a varied role which makes it an interested and satisfying job to do.

 

In 2016 Ellis won an award for ‘Production Specialist of the Year’ at an internal ITV awards ceremony. Ellis was chosen as the winner out of the whole of the United Kingdom.

 

Ellis said:

The apprenticeship helped me get my foot in the door. Without the apprenticeship, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

Liam Bevan

Liam Bevan started his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media back in 2013. Liam, 23 from Abercynon, work as a Post Production Apprentice at BBC Cymru Wales in Roath Lock, Cardiff Bay.

 

After finishing his A-levels Liam was looking for his next career step. Like everyone else Liam’s age he had three options: university, apprenticeship or work a normal job.

 

Liam said:

After a lot of research into studying Media in different Universities, the apprenticeship seemed to ring out to me as the right choice. Hands-on experience with industry-grade software and established workflows. You simply can’t teach that at the same level elsewhere instead of actually doing it. No brainer, as far as I was concerned!

 

Liam was given a number of opportunities within the Post Production department throughout his apprenticeship. He started off in the Loading Room, ingesting whatever came through the door. Be it crime-documentary rushes, elements for ‘The One Show’ or re-ingesting archive for sport, Liam was trained by his colleagues to be able to handle whatever came in.

 

Liam said:

After that, I was moved to Pobol Y Cwm to see how a stabilised series performed, and that’s where I really excelled. Routinely training with consistent workflows, such as play-out of programmes on to tape for review, logging music from edited timelines, ingesting rushes from location and prepping them for assembly. I was also given several opportunities to try my hand at assembling some scenes of my own and then get notes from the Assembly Editor!

 

The apprenticeship wasn’t without its struggles for Liam. Without any experience in a Loading Room, Liam had a lot to learn including the different Avid formats and the terminology. With his perseverance and help of his colleagues, Liam was quick to learn about the different software and Post Production processes.

 

Liam said:

At the end of the apprenticeship, I spent a few months looking for work in the industry with not much luck. After 7 months of looking, I was considering finding a new career path, but the Sgil Cymru team got in touch with me and let me know of someone who was looking for an Assistant Producer for their rugby coverage on S4C. At first, I was a little nervous about the role, coming purely from a Post-Production background and not knowing that much about sport in the first place, but I went for a coffee with them that week and secured a three-month trial with them at Sunset+Vine Cymru.

 

It’s nearly been three years now and my CV has dramatically expanded, with me editing openers and features for most of our rugby games from the Principality Premiership and the National Cup, and even full highlights of programmes such as the Tour de France, the 2017 Lions Tour, the Top 14, and the European Rugby Champions Cup on S4C. I’ve even had the opportunity to travel with the team to all the Wales matches from the Rugby World Cup back in 2015, and even to Lyon for the European Cup Final. On top of this, I’m also working with Tinopolis as a Freelance Editor.

Ffion Taylor

Ffion Taylor started her apprenticeship in 2014 on a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. Ffion, 23 from Aberystwyth, worked as an Apprentice Runner for Green Bay Media in Cardiff.

 

Prior to the apprenticeship, Ffion was working as a waitress in a restaurant in Aberystwyth having recently finished studying Creative Media Production and Photography at College. Ffion always knew she wanted to work in the creative industries, but she didn’t know how to get her foot in the door. With a lot of research, Ffion came across the apprenticeship opportunities and decided to apply.

 

Ffion said:

I wanted the apprenticeship because I knew it would provide me with a strong foundation for a career in the TV and Film industry.

 

Whilst completing her apprenticeship Ffion worked as an Apprentice Runner on a number of productions including Llond Ceg, DNA Cymru and Sian Lloyds Work-Life Balance. Ffion’s day-to-day job included finding/auditioning potential contributors for documentaries and children’s programmes, obtaining paperwork for children’s performance licenses, finding locations and obtaining permission to film, amongst other administrative tasks. She also worked on set and location as a chaperone.

 

Ffion said:

During my apprenticeship, I faced many challenges. As I’d never worked in TV before, it was a huge learning curve. Trying to find contributors for programmes without knowing where to look was tough! But with time and practice, I became more organised and confident. If you asked me to find a contributor for a Teen Series now I’d be able to find you one – no problem!

 

Following her year-long apprenticeship, Ffion continued to work for Green Bay Media as a Researcher for 10 months. Since then Ffion has worked in online and corporate production, media training, and most recently, animation as a Junior Production Manager for Cloth Cat Animation on a series for Channel 5.

 

Ffion has chosen to broaden her horizons yet again by taking a job in the production office on a feature film called Judy. The film is being shot in Pinewood Studios and sees Renée Zellweger star as the lead.

 

Ffion said:

Without the Apprenticeship, I wouldn’t have any of the skills that have helped me in my career so far. I made a conscious decision not to go to University, so the apprenticeship was a great opportunity for me to learn on the job. Having this hands-on experience has set me apart from other candidates when applying for work – I honestly think I would’ve found it much harder to get work within the TV industry without this.

Osian Davies

In 2016 Osian Davies, 20 from Glan Conwy, completed his Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media through Sgil Cymru. Osian worked as a Factual Production Apprentice at BBC Cymru Wales in Llandaff. Since finishing his apprenticeship Osian has continued to work within the factual department in BBC Cymru Wales. Here’s his story.

 

Prior to his media apprenticeship Osian was working in a hotel restaurant whilst studying towards his A Levels in North Wales.

 

Osian said:

When I started studying my A Levels I thought I wanted to be a performer. Soon enough I realised that it wasn’t for me and that I wanted to work behind the scenes of a production. I also came to the realisation that I didn’t want to go to University either. I don’t see myself as an academic person and found that vocational learning suited me best. Following this, I started looking for media apprenticeships in theatre and media and stumbled upon the Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

 

Following his appointment as Factual Production Apprentice Osian started working on programmes including The One Show, BBC Young Musician, X-Ray, Bargain Hunt and Coast.

 

Osian had the opportunity to take on many different tasks throughout his apprenticeship including research work on The One Show. His duties included sourcing stories, contributors, locations and archive for the shoots. This gave Osian the opportunity to work closely with the Directors, Production Management Assistants and Series Producers and to help take the story from beginning to broadcast. Osian’s job changed on a daily basis and allowed Osian to work on a variety of different programmes and gain invaluable experience.

 

Osian said:

I had the chance to look after contestants and the judges on BBC Young Musician, maintain the camera kit and help set it up on location with X-Ray alongside shadowing the Runners on Bargain Hunt whilst helping them set up casting calls and filming on location.

 

Following his apprenticeship, Osian started working as a Runner on Bargain Hunt and has continued to work for BBC Cymru Wales since. As well as this Osian has returned to work on The One Show and is now working as a Casting Researcher on Bargain Hunt.

 

Osian said:

The apprenticeship allowed me to show my true potential. It gave me more confidence and the hands-on training and experience I needed.

 

UPDATE SPRING 2022

 

Osian is currently a Technical Assistant and Drone Operator and is working for the BBC.

 

1. Where was your first placement with Sgil Cymru?  

My first placement was for the factual department with The One Show VT Team in Cardiff. At the time, it was BBC Cymru but it’s now known as BBC Studios. I helped research potential stories and helped with getting the kit ready for those stories.

 

2. When was the moment that things began to fall into place? That you knew you were in the right place?

On my first placement with The One Show, we were filming a story I’d set up in Bath on the Box Tunnel. I learnt how the kit worked and met people who were eager to share their stories. And that was the  moment I realised I wanted to do camera work. I was asked to collect GV’s for another film. Back in the editing suite, the director was happy with my work – that’s when I knew that camera work was what I wanted to do in the future.

 

3. What’s the biggest obstacle you think you’ve overcome either during or following on from your apprenticeship?

I think the biggest thing I’ve overcome is finding my self-confidence within the work and to start believing in myself. In this industry, it’s easy to lose your confidence and to second guess what you’re doing, especially when you compare it to other people’s work as well as their expectations for that work.

 

4. What’s the best piece of advice you were given as an apprentice?

‘Just do it’. If you want to work with the camera, take pictures or film stuff in your spare time.

 

5. What advice would you give to someone starting out as an apprentice?

Listen to the people who are around you on your placement. They all want to help, and they want you to succeed. If you have a question or don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask, everyone understands you’re there to learn.

Molleasha Quinn

CRIW PODCAST: To hear about Meish’ experience as an Apprentice, head to Spotify or to our YouTube Channel 

 

Molleasha Quinn started her apprenticeship in 2015 on a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. Molleasha, 20 from Cardiff, worked as an Art Department Apprentice for BBC Cymru Wales in Roath Lock, Cardiff.

 

Before the apprenticeship, Molleasha was studying her A Levels in Art, Media Studies and Design Technology. Molleasha wasn’t keen on going to University but she was certain that she wanted to study a creative course.

 

Molleasha said:

Vocational studying appealed to me much more rather than University. I knew I wanted to do something creative, but felt unsure what course to do because of how expensive and competitive creative courses can be. I really think an apprenticeship is the best way to start a career.

 

Whilst completing her apprenticeship Molleasha worked as an Art Department Apprentice on Casualty for 6 months and on Pobol y Cwm for the following 6 months.

 

Following her apprenticeship, Molleasha continued to work for BBC Cymru Wales as an Art Director.

 

Molleasha said:

I was asked to Art Direct with Pobol y Cwm at 19 before finishing my apprenticeship and I am the youngest to Art Direct continuously with the BBC, having stayed with them since April 2016.

 

As well as this Molleasha has kept herself busy by attending courses overseas as well as working freelance for other productions.

 

Molleasha said:

I did a short course in Graphic and Visual Design in Los Angeles during my time off, and am currently working dailies as a set dresser on Emmerdale and Art Directing with Casualty in the New Year.

 

Since completing her apprenticeship Molleasha has continued to work hard on a number of productions whilst creating a good name for herself as an Art Director. This would not have been possible without Molleasha having completed her apprenticeship.

 

Molleasha said:

The apprenticeship helped create my career. The duration of the apprenticeship lets you prove your capabilities to the employer and gives you the chance to get to know them over a long period of time. Building this kind of relationship is really hard to achieve through short work experience placements.

Gabriella Gardner

Gaby Gardner started her apprenticeship in 2013, on a level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. Gaby, 21 from Barry, worked as an Apprentice Casting Assistant for Cardiff-based casting agency, Regan Management (formerly known as Regan Rimmer Management).

 

Prior to the apprenticeship, Gaby attended Barry 6th Form where she studied Theatre Studies, Film and Music at AS Level. Throughout her time at school Gaby struggled with confidence. Having always had an interest in the creative industries, Gaby saw the apprenticeship as a great opportunity to build her confidence, meet new people and forge a career in an industry that is renowned for being difficult to break in to. After securing the job Gaby took the big step and decided to leave school.

 

As Apprentice Casting Assistant Gaby was responsible for booking actors for castings, maintaining databases, filming actors auditions and passing the footage onto Directors. It was crucial for Gaby to be in the loop with up and coming talent by visiting the theatre in the evenings as well as attending showcases. On top of this Gaby regularly worked out of the London office.

 

During her apprenticeship Gaby worked on the Theatr na nÓg production ‘Tom The Musical’, Kevin Allen’s (fFati fFilms) feature film ‘Under Milk Wood’ as well as many Clwyd Theatr Cymru productions. As a result of working on big projects and having to deal with a number of people on a daily basis, Gaby’s confidence grew significantly.

 

After completing her apprenticeship in 2014, Gaby was offered a full-time position as an Assistant Agent with Regan Management. Since then she has carried on working with the agency, and with her newly-found confidence Gaby is now heading up the new Regan Management Bristol office. She is currently in the middle of meeting with local actors and production companies in order to build up a Bristol client base.

 

Gaby said:

Sgil Cymru staff helped me to discover a different side to the industry. Completing my apprenticeship was the best thing I could have done. It’s opened so many doors and I’ve made so many contacts within the industry. I am very grateful to Sue and the team for their support throughout and the support they carry on to give. What I love most is that they’re still interested in what I’m doing and I know I can turn to Sgil Cymru at any time. I highly recommend apprenticeships to anyone who is keen to earn and learn on the job!

 

At Sgil Cymru’s Celebration in March 2017, Gaby was awarded the Creative Risk Solutions Ltd. Outstanding Achievement Award. This award was awarded to Gaby to mark her outstanding achievement in the industry following the completion of the apprenticeship.

Brooklyn Lloyd-Evans

At the age of 18 Brooklyn, who lives in Pontypridd, was finishing school and looking to bridge the gap from education to employment. In September 2016, she found that bridge in the form of an apprenticeship with ITV Cymru Wales.

 

Brooklyn had previously taken part in BBC Wales’ It’s My Shout training scheme. She found out about the apprenticeship vacancy via a Facebook ad for Sgil Cymru’s Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

 

Brooklyn said:

The It’s My Shout experience confirmed for me that working in TV industry was what I wanted to do. Being involved with stage and activities in the creative industry was always the place I felt most confident. Now I have an amazing apprenticeship with ITV and I love the job I’m doing.

 

Brooklyn’s parents were very supportive and saw that she was interested in the apprenticeship and says she was glad of their support. Brooklyn’s parents helped her with the application to Sgil Cymru and she attended the selection workshops with a group of young people of similar age.

 

Brooklyn says that apprenticeships were discussed in school but not apprenticeships that were media based.

 

The transition from school straight into employment she found particularly challenging but the induction from Sgil Cymru was really helpful. Brooklyn said she naturally felt nervous because she knew that this was a big opportunity and a chance to do something she could only have dreamed of. She took part in group tasks, learning about storyboards and presentation skills.

 

Brooklyn wasn’t sure what to expect until she started working and learning.

 

Brooklyn is the first in the family to go down the apprenticeship route however there was no pressure on her to go to university. Her parents are now over the moon about her employment with ITV.

 

Brooklyn had good grades in school but not many people were expecting her to take up an apprenticeship. She knows a few people from her school that took up an apprenticeship but as far as she knows she is the only girl from her year. Brooklyn was clear that an apprenticeship was the right route for her.

 

Currently doing a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media, and definitely enjoying it, Brooklyn feels the apprenticeship with ITV has given her a lot of opportunity and everyone is very supportive.

 

Brooklyn said:

“I have been given the chance to work, meet people and learn. The opportunities are endless. Everyone at ITV is so lovely – I felt completely welcomed by everyone and now I feel very much part of the team.”

 

Fiona Frances, ITV Cymru Wales said:

“At ITV Cymru Wales we are always on the look- out for new talent and we are 100% behind opportunities to earn-while-you-learn. Our apprentices have come from all walks of life giving them the chance to continue their education in a workplace environment. Our aim is to equip them with the experience and practical skills to enable them flourish in the Welsh creative industries.”

Dylan Mohammad-Smart

CRIW PODCAST: To hear about Dylan’s experience as an Apprentice, head to Spotify or to our YouTube Channel 

Dylan Mohammad-Smart started his apprenticeship in 2014 on a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media. Dylan, 19 from Pontypridd, worked as a Radio Sport Apprentice at BBC Cymru Wales in Llandaff, Cardiff.

 

Whilst studying for his GCSEs Dylan completed two days work experience with the BBC Sport department in January 2014. It was here that Dylan was told about the apprenticeship by the Managing Editor in the department. Having always had a passion for sport Dylan knew that the apprenticeship would be the perfect opportunity to get his foot in the door.

 

Dylan said:

I have a passion for Sport and have always had a huge interest in the media side, whether that was playing it, reading the Sport columns in the newspapers, watching it on TV or listening to it on the radio. The apprenticeship seemed a perfect opportunity to kickstart my career.

 

His apprenticeship in BBC Cymru Wales gave Dylan the opportunity to work on the radio side of the Sport department. His workload included cutting audio clips for bulletins, writing links for the presenters to say on air as well as setting up guests for the Radio Wales Sport show. Dylan also worked on some big projects including Wales football, Rugby internationals and the Wales Sport Awards.

 

Dylan said:

Taking the apprenticeship was the best decision I’ve ever made. I had just turned 16 when I started so I had to grow up quickly.

 

Even though Dylan was only 16 when he started the apprenticeship his work ethic and knowledge of all things Sport quickly impressed his fellow colleagues. This meant he was kept on to work in the Radio side of the Sport department following the completion of his apprenticeship.

 

Over the past two years Dylan has worked in a variety of different roles, including Onsite Producing. He is now a fully trained Social Media Producer which means he is in charge of running the Twitter and Facebook pages for BBC Wales Sport and BBC Scrum V. Dylan also films and edits his own content which is then published across their social media pages and the BBC Sport website.

 

Dylan said:

I have been working in Social Media since October 2016 so am still relatively new to it and have much to learn in a rapidly growing area. I hope to see myself staying on the social side for the foreseeable future.

Joseph Marshall

Having only worked in part-time jobs, Joseph Marshall hoped to get his foot in the door in the media and was looking for work experience opportunities when he discovered apprenticeships. He successfully applied for an apprenticeship in Post-Production with the BBC, describing his chance at starting his career via the scheme as “a once in a lifetime opportunity”.

 

Over a year combining his role with studying for the level 3 qualification, Joseph shadowed and aided Edit Assistants, soon performing “vital tasks such as editing web-clips, delivering tapes to broadcasting houses, transcoding and renaming rushes for editors and so much more.

 

While Joseph mainly worked at the Roath Lock drama studio on primetime BBC drama Casualty developing his skillset, he was also given the chance to work on Doctor Who and on factual programmes being produced from Broadcasting House in Llandaff, Cardiff.  As the twelve months of the scheme came to an end, Joseph was offered a three-month contract as an Edit Assistant with the BBC.

 

At the end of his contract, Joseph, like many of the post-production workforce, decided to take the step into freelancing. The contacts he made and relationships developed during his apprenticeship proved invaluable as he started his freelance career, and he later returned to Casualty to work on the content for the programme’s social media platforms.

 

While he aims to develop his career via both post-production in television and social media, Joseph recognises the vital part the apprenticeship played in opening the door to working in the creative industries, and also in how he has developed as a person.

 

Joseph said:

Without the apprentice scheme I would not be where I am. I haven’t just grown in my career but also my personal life. Before I was an apprentice for the BBC, I was very shy. This apprenticeship really helped with how I communicate with people. Every single member on the Sgil Cymru team were amazing and guided me through the apprenticeship.

 

UPDATE SUMMER 2023

Simon Guy

My name is Simon Guy and I am a former Camera Trainee Apprentice with Sgil Cymru.  But these days I am a freelance Camera operator working on a variety of productions.

 

I started my apprenticeship with BBC Wales working as a trainee for ‘Casualty’ and then ‘Pobol Y Cwm’.  Back then my duties included cables and batteries, and I made sure I did the job well.  After finishing my apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to be offered the position of full-time camera assistant for ‘Pobol Y Cwm’.  During that period, I learned the importance of organisational skills and how to work with people, no filming block was the same as I worked with different directors, camera operators and crews in general.

 

After a couple of years, I was moved into the operations department at BBC Wales.  This meant more variety for the type of productions I worked on.  I started camera operating on the news and sport, and studio shows like ‘Crimewatch Roadshow’ and ‘Wales Live’.  During the next few years, I focused on gaining knowledge and crafting my skills, including learning to operate the jib.  I was eventually promoted to the role of full-time camera operator in BBC Wales.

As we came to the end of our time at BBC Wales Broadcasting House in the Llandaff area of Cardiff, there was an opportunity to work on the migration to the new BBC building in the centre of Cardiff.  I jumped at the chance to do so, and my involvement in the project was to create shots and moves using the robotic cameras to work with automation in the news galleries and studios.  This experience became so valuable, not only in learning new technology but working under high pressure and time constraints during a global pandemic.

 

After completing the project, I decided it was time for me to venture out into the freelance world.  So, in April of this year I left the BBC and became self-employed.  Doing this has been the most exciting part of my career so far, not only am I able to work on a wider range of programmes, but I am also meeting new people almost every day.  Since going freelance I have even had the opportunity to direct, which was a very exciting experience.

 

It is fair to say that none of this would have been possible without Sgil Cymru and the fantastic people who work there…Convincing a village boy from North Wales that he could have a career in this wonderful industry.

Thank you very much.

Eugenia Taylor

CRIW PODCAST: To hear about Eugenia’s experience as an Apprentice, head to Spotify or to our YouTube Channel 

Name: Eugenia Taylor

Age: 22

From: Cardiff

Apprentice Employer: ITV Cymru Wales

Apprentice Job Title: Creative and Digital Media Apprentice

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?

Prior to the apprenticeship, I was working as an online merchandiser at Escentual.com which is an online retailing site that sells beauty products. I’ve worked in retail since I was 16, up until the day I started to work for ITV.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

I was searching for a new job because I decided I wanted to get out of retail and start a new career. I wanted to try something new and I have always been very interested in television, film and the media so the apprenticeship at ITV was exactly what I was looking for and the perfect challenge.

What did the apprentice job entail?

My apprentice job was very varied. From the beginning of the apprenticeship, I was thrown into learning some of Production Specialists roles such as PA-ing, Sound, Autocue, Studio Floor Managing and Studio Camera Operating for the Lunchtime and Six O’clock news bulletins. I was also tasked to create my own online videos, giving me a chance to learn how to edit using AVID and understand how to set up a camera for an interview. This also helped me to understand what kind of shots are needed to create a simple sequence.

What programmes/projects did you work on?

I had the opportunity of working within the programmes department and shadowing one of the producers while she made a three-part series called ‘Station 20’ which followed a Fire Station based in Barry. I set up the camera for some of interviews and also ensured that the person was within the frame throughout the interview.

Did you face any difficulties whilst doing your apprenticeship?

At times, trying to balance both a full-time job as well as the apprenticeship assignment work was difficult but completing homework as soon as possible or during any down time, helped me to stay on top of it.

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?

When I completed my apprenticeship I was already over three months into my new role as a trainee researcher, working on one of ITV Wales new network commissions. I found it quite a culture shock and was given a lot of responsibility very quickly in comparison to the rest of my apprenticeship, where I was just shadowing and learning.

Have you changed/grown as a result of the apprenticeship?

It definitely helped me to grow and learn to adapt quickly. I was very glad the job transition happened during and just after my apprenticeship, as I was given constant support from the tutors at Sgil Cymru as well as support from my manager at ITV. She was always aware of the work load I had taken on and I had regular meetings with her and Nadine, my Sgil Cymru mentor.

What is the next career step for you?

I would love to develop my skills further and hopefully continue with camera training, as well as getting more journalistic experience as a researcher. I want to continue working within the programmes department at ITV and would love to become an Assistant Producer and one day and produce my own programme.

 

UPDATE SPRING 2022

 

Eugenia is currently working as an Assistant Producer for ITV Cymru Wales.

 

Where was your first placement with Sgil Cymru?  

It was at ITV Cymru Wales and I did a Creative and Digital media apprenticeship.

 

When was the moment that things began to fall into place? That you knew you were in the right place? 

I realised I was in the right place when going to work every day was fun but also a challenge. Everyone, including my manager, Nadine and Sue from Sgil Cymru, was so supportive and eager to help me every step of the way. I soon realised that I had a love for the programmes department as well as journalism and when my manager saw this passion, she allowed me to stay in the department for a large part of my apprenticeship. All the producers let me shadow them, go out on location with them and encouraged me to learn as much as possible.

 

What’s the biggest obstacle you think you’ve overcome either during or following on from your apprenticeship?

After my apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to get a job as a researcher/programme assistant working on regional and network programmes at ITV Wales. But my biggest obstacle was probably doing my journalism traineeship at ITV, a few years later. I did it during the pandemic and so a lot of my learning was online and at home. I’m quite a hands-on learner so not being able to go into the office was really difficult and the year of training itself was a big step up for me. I had to do an NCTJ exam as well as learn numerous different production journalist skills in order to finish the traineeship. But I think my apprenticeship prepared me for the challenge because we were always learning something new so it gave me the confidence to know I was capable. And of course, the support of everyone at ITV Wales was incredible so it spurred me on to make the best of the situation.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you were given as an apprentice? 

The best piece of advice I was given was from Nadine and Sue which was to make the most out of the year. I really took that advice and ran with it, so every opportunity I had to learn something new I gave it my all. I also made an effort to make connections. If someone took the time to show me something, I would make sure I was respectful and kind and so if I ever needed help or wanted to ask a question in the future, I felt like I could go to that person again for their expertise. I think without the guidance of everyone at Sgil Cymru I would have been lost during my apprenticeship. But they also reminded us how important it was to keep up with your apprenticeship written work and tasks. So, I always made an effort to complete it as soon as possible to the best of my ability. That left me more time to do the job at ITV and I was able to focus on learning new skills because I wasn’t worried about my other work.

 

What advice would you give to someone starting out as an apprentice? 

I would say don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and do things out of your comfort zone. If you have an extra hour in the day, could that hour be used to pitch a new idea, or help someone with a bigger workload? The year can fly by, but everyone wants to help you learn, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and show how passionate you are about the job.

Gwenno Ellis Owen

Name: Gwenno Ellis Owen

Age: 18

From: Amlwch, Anglesey

Apprentice Employer: Boom Cymru

Apprentice Job Title: Apprentice Production Coordinator

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?

Before the apprenticeship, I was a sixth-from pupil in school.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

I went for the apprenticeship because it would give me a chance to complete level 3 qualifications, whilst earning a wage at the same time.

What did the apprentice job entail?

My job comprised a number of roles. I was doing a lot of paperwork and music clearances for factual and live programmes and also digital items for social media websites. I also worked as a runner on a number of productions that included live broadcasts.

What programmes/projects did you work on?

I’ve been lucky enough to have worked on a wide range of programmes. I worked as a runner on the live programme “Stwnsh Sadwrn” every Saturday morning. I’ve also been able to work on factual programmes such as Prosiect Pum Mil.

Did you face any difficulties whilst doing your apprenticeship?

The only difficulty I faced during the apprenticeship was having to live far away from home. But luckily, I overcame this through meeting amazing people through Sgil Cymru – and someone I now call my best friend!

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?

After completing my apprenticeship, I was lucky enough to be offered another contract by Boom until the end of February but by now, it’s been extended until July – so I must be doing something right!

Have you changed/grown as a result of the apprenticeship?

I think I’m far more confident now compared with when I started the apprenticeship. I am also more independent, both on a personal level and also in the workplace.

What is the next career step for you?

I’m not sure yet what the next step is. At the moment, I am enjoying working for Boom. However, I am also open to trying new things, since I love a challenge!

 

UPDATE Summer 2022

 

A day in the life of Gwenno Ellis Owen

I’m a Production Coordinator for Boom Cymru, and at the moment I’m working on the new drama ‘Y Goleudy’ (‘The Lighthouse’)!

I reach the office every morning at 9am and the first thing that I do is check my emails to see if anyone has sent an email. I then like to write a ‘to-do’ list for the day – there’s nothing more satisfying than ticking these off!

At the moment I’m working on a drama, so a lot of my work includes preparing for the next shoot day. So every day I will have to get the sides together, print them for the cast and prepare an email including a call sheet, script sides and instructions to set.

Mae responsibilities also include sorting any expenses from the cast and crew. I also have to clear any copyright on any content that is seen on screen including music. I am also working towards our Albert certificate – a certificate that shows that we are making an effort to reduce our carbon footprint during production. If there are any young actors on set, I license them with the council. I also book hotels for cast and crew if we are shooting outside of Cardiff.

We are coming towards the end of our shooting period now so my main responsibility at the moment is to sort out the WRAP party!

We follow a tight schedule, so problems can arise at any moment! Recently, for example, a camera van had a flat tyre, so this had to be sorted as soon as possible. Another small problem which always crops up is that the printer stops working! I need to print about 20 copies of the sides each day so that can be a nuisance!

We have lunch at about 1pm every day and we have a catering company on set to feed the cast and crew. As I am located in the office, one of us has to go to collect the food, or a runner will bring our meals over for us.

I will be there working all afternoon until WRAP – the WRAP time changes each day depending on the schedule. Then, after we WRAP, I get to click ‘send’ on the email to the cast and crew with the details for the following day!

Zahra Errami

CRIW PODCAST: To hear about Zahra’s experience as an Apprentice, head to Spotify or to our YouTube Channel 

Name: Zahra Errammi

Age: 26

From: Anglesey

Apprentice Employer: ITV Cymru Wales

Apprentice Job Title: Creative and Digital Apprentice

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?

Before the apprenticeship, I was a floor manager in a popular high street fashion store.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

I’ve never considered myself the “academic” type, and never really found something I was 100% sure about to even apply for University, so an apprenticeship in a creative field where you can learn on the job seemed the perfect match. I’d been working as a freelance Make-up artist for a few years and loved working TV and film jobs, so the interest in the industry was always there, but I felt like I had more to offer.

What did the apprentice job entail?

I was lucky enough to try my hand at most roles within the newsroom, from camera operating, gallery roles to writing original journalism pieces for the ITV Wales website. I found my place in Digital and really enjoyed the Journalistic side of news, so I stayed on at Digital and got to take creative control over the Instagram which took me to some new heights (literally) – on the roof of the Principality for instance – not somewhere I’d ever thought I’d be!

What programmes/projects did you work on?

I’ve been involved with so much during my time, I got to kick-off my apprenticeship working within the Welsh current affairs l team, working as a researcher for programmes like Ein Byd and Y Byd ar Bedwar. Also created original social content for both ITV News and Hansh S4C. Making bespoke digital content for ITV News for Pride Cymru, is by far one of my proudest projects.

Did you face any difficulties whilst doing your apprenticeship?

No, not really. I struggled slightly with re-doing my essential skills, but the support of my peers and staff at Sgil Cymru helped me get them done and out of the way so I could progress with my work. Otherwise, it was plain sailing from the start and throughout.

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?

I got lucky! A job as a trainee Digital Journalist came up for the digital platform Hansh S4C  and I honestly couldn’t have dreamt of a better job fit for me. I applied and secured an interview. Two weeks later, with a month left of my apprenticeship I got the news that I had got the job. So I started work straight away after I finished the apprenticeship.

Have you changed/grown as a result of the apprenticeship?

I think I’ve grown a huge amount in terms of my confidence and skills from doing an apprenticeship. I’ve also seen a great improvement in my Welsh language skills, both oral and written, from doing some modules in Welsh at Sgil Cymru and working within the Welsh language department at ITV Wales. I would say I’ve changed my attitude towards work, after years of working in retail I was unmotivated and lacked focus in my career. Now that I enjoy work, I’m genuinely excited to get up each morning to go to work and have a much more positive outlook.

What is the next career step for you?

I hope to gain as much experience and new skills from the traineeship as I can get, to hopefully secure a Multimedia Journalist position at ITV, a position that’s more digitally focused than a traditional journalism roles. I would love to eventually produce long-form digital content for one of the big broadcasters.

 

UPDATE SPRING 2022

Zahra is currently a Digital Video Producer & Presenter at ITV News based at ITN in London.

 

Where was your first placement with Sgil Cymru?  

 

My first placement was with ITV Cymru in Cardiff Bay. 

 

When was the moment that things began to fall into place? That you knew you were in the right place? 

 

I felt immediately welcome at ITV Cymru, and I think I’d anticipated that everyone was far too busy and important to give the apprentice the time of day – that was never the case, everyone was super excited to have us and more than willing to listen to fresh perspective and ideas. 

I got to spend time on the digital desk, and I felt my ideas were valued and I was given a lot of responsibility early on – that’s when I felt I’d found my forte. 

 

What’s the biggest obstacle you think you’ve overcome either during or following on from your apprenticeship?

 

My biggest obstacle was definitely something I’d realised after the apprenticeship, that the industry can be quite competitive – to one opportunity there will be 20 other people who also want the same one. But I think if you stay authentic, have good ideas and work ethic – competition isn’t a problem!

 

What’s the best piece of advice you were given as an apprentice? 

 

Sue Jeffries once told me to ‘not get comfortable’ where you are, and as soon as you feel you’re not progressing or not learning – it’s time to move on. I’ve stuck by that, and progression is something I’ve achieved year on year since hearing that. It’s easy to get stuck in one place and thankful for the opportunity, but in an industry where things change and develop all the time, you must do the same. 

 

What advice would you give to someone starting out as an apprentice?

 

The more skills the better! Take in everything you learn both at Sgil Cymru and on placement, try your hand at everything you can do, in the long run being a jack of all trades really pays off. Also, stay true to yourself, what makes you different to other candidates and applicants in future jobs is your authenticity and your values – so don’t fall victim to the glitz and the glamour of the industry!

Jesse Edwards

Jesse Edwards

From: Ebbw Vale

Apprentice Employer: BBC Radio Wales

Apprentice Job Title: New Talent Apprentice

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?

Prior to the apprenticeship, I was working as a welder.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

I wanted this apprenticeship because it was the first step towards a career that I wanted to pursue.

What did the apprentice job entail?

My Apprentice job entailed me being a researcher across the whole of Daytime on Radio Wales.

What programmes/projects did you work on?

During the apprenticeship I was finding new contributors and content for segments such as ’3 IN 30’ and ‘HOW TO’ on the Wynne Evans Show. I was also:

• Working on Wales’ leading Phone-In Show as a Researcher, booking guests and writing briefs and scripts under very strict time restraints.

• Working in studio across all the daytime programmes (Phone-In, Wynne Evans and Eleri Siôn), keeping timings and making sure things run as smoothly as possible in the studio whilst we are on air.

• Answering phones on the weekends for shows such as Money for Nothing and Carol Vorderman.

Did you face any difficulties whilst doing your apprenticeship?

I faced quite a few difficulties during my apprenticeship, from organising workloads to impostor syndrome. I managed to get over my difficulties through the desire I had not to fail and lose the opportunity I was given.

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?

When I completed my apprenticeship I continued to work with Radio Wales across all the programmes.

Have you changed/grown as a result of the apprenticeship?

As a result of the apprenticeship I have grown as a person and become a more confident, rounded individual.

What is the next career step for you?

There are plans for me to be trained in continuity over the summer. But my next step is to get a contract with BBC Radio Wales and hopefully build my network of contacts in the future.

Daniel Snelling

Name:                                     Daniel Snelling
Age:                                         21
From:                                      Newport
Apprentice Employer:        Real SFX
Apprentice Job Title:          Special Effects Apprentice

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?

Prior to my apprenticeship, I was a warehouse manager for a small company that installed LED screens for clients such as Carphone Warehouse and Dixon’s Travel. Fortunately, with this prior knowledge, I was able to adapt to Real SFX’s workshop very easily.

Why did you want to do the apprenticeship?

I have always wanted to work in the TV and Film industry but didn’t know how to get my foot in the door. Sgil Cymru was a great way for me to gain a qualification, learn while I earn and create industry contacts from day 1.

What did the apprentice job entail?

As an SFX apprentice, I was tasked with cleaning and maintenance of kit, general organization of workshop stock and consumables, loading vans with relevant kit for an effect and maintenance of vans.

What programmes/projects did you work on?

Towards the end of my year, I was able to go out on sets such as His Dark Materials, Doctor Who, Dracula and Intergalactic.

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?

Since my apprenticeship has finished, I have received full time employment with Real SFX. I have been given more responsibility within my role and progressed to become a consistent team member.

Have you changed/grown as a result of the apprenticeship?

Using the knowledge I have gained throughout my apprenticeship, I am now more confident when working in the workshop and on set.

What is the next career step for you?

Due to my qualification, I have now found a viable career path into the film and TV industry.

Mairéad Harris

Name:                                    Mairéad Harris
Age:                                         22
From:                                      Powys
Apprentice Employer:        BBC Cymru Wales
Apprentice Job Title:          Costume Apprentice

 

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?
Before I started my apprenticeship, I was studying for my A Levels.

 

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?
I wanted to do the apprenticeship because costume and anything fabric related has always been a big interest of mine. I was very keen to explore the world of costume in film and TV, so the apprenticeship was the perfect opportunity to get a foot in the door of the industry.

 

The idea of not going to university to do the apprenticeship was also a big factor for me, as I much prefer to be thrown in at the deep end and learn on the job.

 

What did your apprentice job entail?
I worked on both the prepping and shooting sides of productions. The prep side of things entailed maintenance of the clothing, the storage room (which is like one massive walk-in wardrobe), the Main Artist room (which is the store for all of the cast’s clothing). I also ensured that the shooting and prep teams were working in an organised and practical environment, which makes their jobs as easy as possible. On the shooting side of things, I helped on set with the continuity of the main cast’s costumes and also the supporting artists. I also helped set up the costumes for the shooting days which entails pulling out the correct costumes for the scenes that are to be shot in a day and making sure they all look tidy and have the right accessories.

 

What programmes/projects did you work on?
Throughout my apprenticeship, I worked on Casualty and Pobol y Cwm.

 

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?
After completing my apprenticeship, I was kept on at Casualty as a Costume Runner for a year, before going freelance. Since then I have worked on many different productions including the second series of Keeping Faith and Netflix’s Sex Education.

 

Have you grown as a result of the apprenticeship?
I feel I have matured since doing the apprenticeship as I was working with people older than me and although it is a really fun industry to work in there is definitely an etiquette on and off set that is really important to stick to.

 

What is the next career step for you?
I am hoping to step up to costume standby level this year which is a big step but I feel I am ready after being trained by such brilliant teams.

Sophie Richards

Name:                                     Sophie Richards
Age:                                         26
From:                                      Cardiff
Apprentice Employer:        BBC Cymru Wales
Apprentice Job Title:          Camera Apprentice

 

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?
Before starting on the apprenticeship, I was working in a pub in Cardiff and travelling.

 

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?
I had always been interested in working on set but never thought it would become a reality. With this in mind I felt I had nothing to lose by applying for the apprenticeship.

 

What did your apprentice job entail?
I was a trainee for the camera department which involved a number of responsibilities that grew over the year after gaining trust and experience. The responsibilities included battery changes, arranging the ins and outs of camera kit by contacting the rental house, setting up the camera for a day’s shoot, cleaning and handling lenses etc.

 

What programmes/projects did you work on?
Throughout my time as an apprentice, I worked on Casualty which involved a wide range of experiences in the studio and on location.

 

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?
When I completed my apprenticeship, I was offered work on Casualty as a Freelance Camera Assistant and have since continued to work on the show regularly for the last 4 years. In the last year, I have had the chance to step up to a new role as a Focus Puller, and I am very much enjoying the new responsibilities that come with this role.

 

I have also been lucky enough to work on other productions and even got a chance to work with cameras on the 2016 Olympics in Rio, 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and I’ll hopefully be working in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

 

The apprenticeship was the start to my career, therefore, it was the catalyst to get me where I am today.

 

Have you grown as a result of the apprenticeship?
As a result of the apprenticeship, I have definitely grown as a person. Due to the nature of the industry, it can test you physically and emotionally, but I soon learnt how to deal with difficult situations.

 

What is the next career step for you?
At the moment I am very much enjoying what I’m doing so have no plans to step up any time soon, but I would like to work on a few of my own projects in the near future.

Laura Light

Name:                                     Laura Thorne
From:                                      Williamstown
Apprentice Employer:        BBC Cymru Wales
Apprentice Job Title:          Production Office Apprentice

 

Spotify: www.bit.ly/LauraLightCRIW

YouTube: www.bit.ly/LauraYouTubeCRIW

 

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?
Before the apprenticeship I was a student at Tonyrefail Comprehensive School. I knew that university was 100% not for me and that an apprenticeship is what I really wanted to do.

 

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?
There are many reasons why I wanted to do an apprenticeship. Working at the BBC was my dream and to be able to work in the media industry was all that I wanted.

 

Whilst I was in Sixth Form there was a lot of pressure to go to university, but I felt as though an apprenticeship would be more beneficial because it would allow me to work and learn at the same time.

 

Many people said it was impossible for me to work in the BBC because of where I’m from, because others never succeeded. I knew 100% it was my dream and my one goal in life that I wasn’t going to let slip away. My friends always knew how much I wanted to be in the media industry so when I finally knew I got through to interview, there was much to celebrate!

 

What did your apprentice job entail?
My apprentice job entailed organising before shoot prep (travel, accommodation, catering, risk assessments, schedules and scripts), arranging what to take such as camera equipment, props, batteries etc. My job also meant I was involved in post-production paperwork, using Avid and transcribing.

 

What programmes/projects did you work on?
I worked on the following programmes during my time as an apprentice: Bargain Hunt, X-Ray, The One Show, Young Dancer, BBC News, Children in Need, Champions League and Crime Watch Roadshow.

 

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?
When I completed my apprenticeship, I was so sad to leave as I had such a nice group of friends and the experience I gained was phenomenal. However, the experience I gained made me want to further my skills and knowledge of marketing. I now work with a Welsh media company called, Object Matrix.

 

Have you grown as a result of the apprenticeship?
The apprenticeship did help me grow. In good situations and bad. The main developments were in my confidence, knowledge and independence. It is quite surprising how much I learnt in what seems now, such a small space of time. An apprenticeship definitely changes you for the good!

 

What is the next career step for you?
I’m currently working as a Sales & Marketing Assistant which means I manage and organise all marketing activity (social media, emails, campaigns, creating videos, webinars, events and travel) in addition to PR tasks. My current role has also allowed me to travel, which is not something I’ve ever done before, and this is all thanks to my apprenticeship.

 

I hope to continue to grow in my role at Object Matrix for as long as possible. However, in the future I also see myself starting my own consultancy business or charity organisation to help others who have found themselves in similar situations to the ones I have been in.

Dominic Farquhar

Name:                                     Dominic Farquhar
Age:                                         20
From:                                      Llantwit Fadre
Apprentice Employer:        BBC Cymru Wales
Apprentice Job Title:          Grip Apprentice

 

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?
I was studying Media Production at Coleg y Cymoedd.

 

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?
I had always known that university wasn’t for me. I wanted to gain hands-on experience, and this apprenticeship offered me the chance to do just that.

 

The apprenticeship was a gateway to the career that I’d always wanted.

 

What did your apprentice job entail?
My job as a Grip Apprentice meant that I shadowed and helped the Grips on Doctor Who and Casualty. This gave me the chance to learn the ropes and understand how the job is done.

 

What programmes/projects did you work on?
Whilst working as a Grip Apprentice I worked on Doctor Who and Casualty, both in the studio and out on location.

 

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?
Having worked at BBC Cymru Wales for a year I had made a wealth of industry contacts. When I was coming to the end of my apprentice contract I was able to reach out to these contacts and start looking for work. The nature of the industry is freelance work, so I went straight into working as a Freelance Grip Assistant. I’ve worked on multiple jobs since finishing, including Netflix’s Sex Education, The Downtown Abbey Movie and the odd dailies on Maleficent and Star Wars. I am about to start working on War of the Worlds.

 

Have you grown as a result of the apprenticeship?
I have grown up as a result of the apprenticeship. My attitude has changed and I’m now more determined to succeed than ever.

 

What is the next career step for you?
My next step is to gain further knowledge and take every opportunity that arises. My eventual goal is to become a Key Grip.

Adam Neal

Name:                                     Adam Neal
Age:                                         33
From:                                      Aberdare
Apprentice Employer:        BBC Studios
Apprentice Job Title:          Unscripted Apprentice

 

What were you doing prior to the apprenticeship?
I was working as a Special Needs Support Assistant at St Johns High School.

 

Why did you want to do an apprenticeship?
I have always wanted to work in the media industry. I went to university but after two years I realised that university was not for me and went into the world of work. When I came across an apprenticeship and found out that you didn’t have to be under 24, I thought I would give it a chance to see whether or not I could get it.

 

What did your apprentice job entail?
I was part of the Unscripted team for BBC Studios and they offered me a wide view of different roles. Depending on the production, I took the role of a researcher, a runner or production management assistant. These different roles developed my skills in researching, camera operating, loading rushes for edit, transcripts, production paperwork such as filming schedules as well as the day to day shooting on location and in the studio.

 

What programmes/projects did you work on?
I worked on the following programmes: The Miners Who Made Us, The One Show, X-Ray, Crimewatch Roadshow Live and Bargain Hunt.

 

What happened when you completed your apprenticeship?
9 months into the apprenticeship I applied for a researcher role with BBC X-Ray and was invited for an interview. Soon after I was offered the position and it would start a month before the end of my apprenticeship. BBC Academy and Sgil Cymru allowed me to finish the apprenticeship early and I started as a researcher in August 2018. I am still currently working as a researcher for the programme with over a dozen of my own stories being aired on BBC One Wales. It feels like such an achievement to have come so far since the start of my apprenticeship.

 

Have you grown as a result of the apprenticeship?
I believe I have grown a lot since the start of the apprenticeship. I started not really knowing anything about the television industry and now I am a researcher for an investigative consumer programme. I feel I have learnt so much in my time as an apprentice and this is all due to the support and teaching from Sgil Cymru, colleagues at BBC.

 

Recently, I was asked to script, shoot, direct and now edit my own piece for X-Ray. It’s only a 90-second piece for the programme but still, I didn’t think I’d get to do anything like this for a couple of years!

 

My life has changed so much in the past year and a half and to think that only 7 months ago I was an apprentice and now I’ve done this! I have still got loads more to learn and a long way to go until I reach my goal, but this was a great experience.

 

What is the next career step for you?
I hope to continue to be a self-shooting researcher, to learn as much as I can about the industry and different productions, but my next career step would be to become a self-shooting director.