Industry to benefit with extension of Route into Radio pilot
20 August 2008
It's now easier for people to launch their careers in Radio thanks to Skillset's Route into Radio pilot.
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries, today invited applications from people in Hampshire and Isle of Wight to participate in the highly successful Route into Radio scheme.
The first of its kind nationally, the scheme supports people from varied and diverse backgrounds to get three month work placements with leading media companies. Funded by South East England Development Agency, Route into Radio has been devised by Skillset and is delivered by leading industry practitioners.
The project has already been piloted in Sussex, Surrey and Kent, where it was a runaway success.
Bob Hoad, Community Relations Director for Global Radio and Route into Radio Project Co-ordinator, said that the initiative provided a fresh approach for the radio sector to identify and develop its future talent.
"We have seen several successes with this group of new talent taking up placements at stations across the South.
"Many have since gained full-time employment and are progressing their radio careers," he said.
The interns will also complete work towards a City and Guilds Media Techniques qualification. Stations that have been involved so far include; 96.4 Eagle Radio, KMFM, Invicta FM, BBC Radio Kent, Southern FM, BBC Southern Counties, Mercury FM and Radio Reverb.
A number of stations will be involved in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight phase of the pilot, including Power FM, BBC Radio Solent and Wave 105 FM.
Mike Hapgood, Head of BBC South, said that the industry had been crying out for a solution to develop tomorrow's talent.
"Programmes like Route into Radio are the answer. It's the best thing to happen in the industry for ages," Mr Hapgood said.
Applications will remain open until 10th September, after that point twelve individuals will be selected by industry to participate in the pilot. For further information on the pilot or how to apply please contact Jo Cassey (Route into Radio Project Manager) on joc@skillset.org or visit the Route into Radio page of the Skillset website.
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Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.
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Nick Gowland
020 7713 9812 / 07598 160 802
