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.
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