Trainees 'Aim High' For Foothold In NI Media

A new trainee scheme to attract and retain talent in the media industry in Northern Ireland, Aim High, has selected the final 15 candidates who will now go on to work within the local creative industries.

Through the collaboration of Northern Ireland's biggest media/training companies, the BBC, Northern Ireland Screen and Skillset, together with the independent sector, the scheme launched in June this year and attracted well over 600 applicants, who were whittled down to a shortlist of 60.

After a full week of arduous assessments, 20 were chosen for a comprehensive 'boot camp', which encompassed a competitive, gruelling and exciting two weeks at the BBC Training Academy in Wood Norton.

From this intake, the final 15 has been chosen and each of these successful candidates will now receive an 18-month placement within the Northern Ireland creative industries - ten placements are in production and five in craft and technical roles.

Before the real work begins in several of NI's award-winning and successful production companies including DoubleBand Films, Waddell Media and Wild Rover, the trainees had the chance to meet the Director-General of the BBC, Mark Thompson at the Belfast Media Festival.


Mark Thompson, Director-General, BBC said: "I am delighted to have this opportunity to meet the successful Aim High trainees. These people are the future of the media and I am very pleased that the BBC can be part of this initiative to help launch the careers of these gifted individuals.

"I wish them all the best in their training and in the future."

Richard Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Northern Ireland Screen said: "Aim High has been an innovative approach to attracting and retaining new talent within the creative industries in Northern Ireland and we have been delighted with the results.

"The final 15 successful candidates have been offered an exceptional opportunity, as they now advance to take up their placement, with the added benefit of a senior industry mentor. As they begin their careers, we wish them every success and look forward to seeing the results of their creative vision and ambition."

(BMcN/BMcC)