Harry Potter
19 year old Phil Bradley, from Borehamwood, has just completed the advanced level NVQ in carpentry working on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. "I've always enjoyed making things and been good with my hands so carpentry always appealed. Doing the NVQ suited me down to the ground because it's practical and hands on. I've learnt from the best whilst actually getting to do the job."
Phil started his NVQ at college full time and got the film bug helping out at Elstree Studios. "It can be tough to get your foot in the door but I got to know some faces in the industry and phoned around before I landed my first job on 'Chamber of Secrets'. It's good money but hard work. The hours aren't very sociable and sometimes you're under a lot of pressure to meet deadlines but the good far out ways the bad. You don't get one day that is the same. There's always another challenge. Plus, you meet some interesting characters and you get to go to the wrap parties at the end of filming."
By the time Phil starts work on his next job he'll be a fully fledged carpenter. "Training on the job was definitely the best option. And now I've got my NVQ I'll get more responsibility and my money will go up."
To get ahead Phil says you need: "Common sense. You've got to think on your feet and don't be afraid to ask questions or to get your hands dirty. The film industry is not as glamourous as some people think. There are exciting parts but at the end of the day you're there to do a job so you have to be focused. It's a great job though and a great feeling knowing I played a small part in making a movie millions of people go to see."