主播大秀

The new First Steps mentoring programme is aimed at people who want to apply for one of the 主播大秀’s sought-after New Talent schemes, but feel there is a barrier to them applying. It mixes practical advice with mentoring and work shadowing. It allows real talent to shine through and prepares people to make their application.

“We were looking for diverse, talented young people with a passion for some kind of media, who have that creative spark but who might find formal applications challenging,” explains Madeline Ferguson, partnership manager with the 主播大秀 Academy.

During three life-changing days, 24 people based in London and Manchester have been offered support with the aim of helping them to progress through the application process for the 主播大秀’s Production and Journalism Apprenticeships when they launch on 13 March.

“It can be really daunting to apply for one of our apprenticeships and we appreciate that. The online questions, situational judgement tests and application to a deadline can be a tough process. First Steps is here to give a little bit of help to talented applicants from diverse backgrounds.”

Not open for general application, the Academy worked with partners like the (for young disabled artists), (for female ex-offenders) and (working with young people furthest from the jobs market) to find promising individuals in London and Salford.

On day one the participants met their mentors who were volunteers taken from 主播大秀 journalism and production teams and had a tour of TV and radio studios, as well as thinking about what it takes to make a programme during a pitching exercise. The next stage is a day of shadowing in the workplace, followed by a separate day of employability training - going through what makes a good application and offering some help with interview skills.

“I really enjoyed the [first] day. It was inspiring and exciting to see all the different departments and studios, and I really felt at home,” says Lucy in Manchester. “[It’s] confirmed to me that the 主播大秀 is the place I want to pursue my career, and I'm going to work as hard as I can to get there!”

On 13 March 2017 we open applications for our Production and Journalism Apprenticeship and Trainee schemes. The schemes start in September and are based across the UK.

We hope to run First Steps again in the future. Follow for announcements