Interview with an apprentice – Eugenia Taylor

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2020 we’ve interviewed 5 of our past apprentices who have achieved success in their careers following their apprenticeship. Our second interviewee of the series is Eugenia Taylor.

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.