The glamour and bright lights of the media industry attracts a lot of young people but the reality of finding work, particularly in the more popular and alluring jobs can be near on impossible.  To dispel the myths, shed light on the array of media jobs and offer up some real opportunities, Vital Regeneration teamed up with Channel 4 to deliver a one-day Media Skills training workshop.

The day incorporated an interactive workshop delivered by Channel 4 on working in television and information on lots of opportunities that the young people could apply for through Channel 4, such as a well paid year-long placement within the company.

Kate Edwards, 4Talent Coordinator from Channel 4 said: “Channel 4 was very pleased to support Vital Regeneration's Media Skills Day.  This project totally fits our ethos, as it is dedicated to helping young people and giving everyone, regardless of background or education, a chance to shine.”

As well as the Channel 4 workshop, the participants were engaged in a whole range of group activities, from identifying their existing media-related skills to creating brain storming murals, raising awareness of the different industries and jobs (from Boom Operators to Broadcast Engineers, Runners to Reprographics Assistants).
 
Frank, one of the participants said “I think this course is fantastic, I have been told everything I need to know”
 
The young people then teamed up for a ‘reality experience’ where they had to organise a charity event for Haiti.  They were teamed up with industry professionals and took on roles depending on their area of interest.  These included a marketing and PR team, consisting of Press Officers, Events Organisers, Advertising and Campaign Designers and a production team of Producers, Directors Camera Assistants, Actors and Presenters.  They learnt how to use a professional video camera, prepared and interviewed a VIP, planned the event campaign, wrote press releases and designed their own logo and strap line.
 
Vital Regeneration's Chief Executive, Angela McConville commented, “Vital Regeneration meets a lot of young people wanting to go into the media industry.  Many of these young people haven’t been to college let alone university.  Media is an incredibly competitive sector but thanks to companies like Channel 4 offering work experience, placements and training, it means some less advantaged young people get the opportunity to fulfil their ambitions.  We are very grateful that Channel 4 partnered with us to make this group aware of these opportunities”
 
Before coming today, I did not have much knowledge of marketing but after today, it’s a career choice for me” said Jorden one of the participants on the course.  Jorden has now gone on to find a marketing work placement and is looking for a job or Apprenticeship in Marketing and Communications.
 
Other feedback from the participants included:
 
“Great experience, learnt a lot and I hope from this I aspire to my desired occupation”
 
“Had fun doing this.  I learnt more today than I did in a year”
 
“I have learnt so much in a day, that will change my life”
 
“[I liked it] when we went off into groups of our chosen aspects of the media industry.  I liked that we had different roles, it felt like we were in a working environment”
 
“I can go home 100% sure about what I want to do”
 
Vital Regeneration would like to acknowledge the generous support of the London Development Agency’s Young Londoners Fund in supporting this event.