UK Skillset Apprentice Scheme Launched

Ten new media apprentices will get the chance to contribute to the BBC's Olympic output next year thanks to a new initiative launched recently by Skillset.

BBC Scotland, John Wheatley College in Glasgow and Skillset Scotland have joined forces to establish a new Skillset apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

Ten apprenticeships will be offered, with the recipients undertaking both vocational and more formal learning training in a variety of media and creative skills.

Building on the success of the BBC 2012 - London Apprenticeships launched last year, BBC Scotland has now established the BBC 2012 - Scotland Apprenticeships Scheme. The new year-long course is aimed at those aged 18 and over who are not already in full-time employment, further education or training and will be based at BBC Scotland, John Wheatley College and at a number of independent production companies who have also backed it.

Ultimately the aim is to provide the students with sufficient skills to enable them to contribute to the BBC's Olympic output across TV, radio and online or look even further ahead by producing packages and content for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014.

BBC Scotland chose to work with John Wheatley College because of its considerable experience of supporting apprenticeship training.

BBC Scotland Olympics and Commonwealth Editor, Sharon Mair, said: "We are looking for people who are passionate about the media, full of ideas, and who are keen to help tell the story of the London 2012 Olympic Games to our audiences.

"This is a great opportunity to develop a variety of skills and knowledge leading to a qualification within the media and I'm delighted that we have managed to create a collaborative approach to deliver this with BBC Scotland, John Wheatley College, Skillset Scotland, STV and a variety of independent companies."

BBC Scotland has worked closely with Skillset to roll out the apprenticeship in Scotland for the first time. As the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media, Skillset is responsible for developing the national occupational standards, qualifications and apprenticeship frameworks for industry and these apprenticeships have been designed with industry input to ensure their relevance to modern creative and digital media practices.

Alasdair Smith, Skillset's Director in Scotland, said: "I'm delighted with the commitment BBC Scotland has shown to opening up access to Scotland's broadcasting and production sector to young people by rolling out the Skillset Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media.

"This will provide ten young people with an unprecedented opportunity to develop practical skills for the new age of digital media in an exciting and dynamic manner."

Situated almost on the doorstep of the Commonwealth Games site, John Wheatley College plays a key role in the East End of Glasgow.

Principal Ian Graham said: "The Apprenticeship initiative will generate significant opportunities in the creative technologies and widen access to employment in our community and beyond.

"John Wheatley is delighted that BBC Scotland has invited us to be a partner in the delivery of this trail-blazing programme. We are eager to add our core skills expertise to the crucial element of practical workplace experience which the BBC and their partners will establish, helping to inspire, develop and nurture creative talent in Scotland."

(KMcA)