Ant and Dec come to college

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Ant and Dec visited Gateshead College today – Friday 20 May – to surprise young people on their Making it in Media programme with The Prince’s Trust.

The TV duo met with the group of 16 to 25-year-olds from the North-East who have completed the two-week programme which aims to help the next generation of young talent from the region start their careers in the media and entertainment industry. The ITV stars watched content produced by the trainees, before handing out certificates to recognise their achievements.

Following the course, the young people now have the opportunity to attend an afternoon of job interviews at a Prince’s Trust Get Hired event at PROTO in Gateshead on Friday 27 May, and it is here where Ant and Dec are seeking the support of local businesses to offer opportunities to the next generation of homegrown talent.

Ant said: “It has been a dream of ours to bring this programme home to Newcastle for such a long time. To finally be here and see what every young person has learnt, how their confidence has grown and what they have produced over the past two weeks has been incredible and humbling. We are so proud of each of them.”

Dec added: “The reason we created the Making it in Media programme with The Prince’s Trust was to give talented young people like those we have met today some of the skills needed for this industry.

“If there are businesses out there looking for young, talented people, we would love to hear from you about getting involved with the Get Hired event. By doing this, you can help change a young person’s life here in the North-East.”

Brandon Johnson-Smith, 21, from Newcastle said: “Before the course, I had no idea about what I wanted to do and didn’t really feel like working in the media was something I could do. I’ve really enjoyed the camera and editing work though and it’s now something I’d love to do this as a future job.”

Rebecca Kelly, 19, Newcastle added: “Hearing from Ant and Dec today, two people from this area about the doubts and difficulties they faced starting out, alongside the skills and experience I’ve learnt on the programme has made me feel so much more confident about my future. It’s been an amazing experience.”

Launched in London last summer for talented and creative young people who are struggling to find work, those enrolled have been given expert training on topics such as editing, camera work, script writing and digital skills during the programme. They also gained experience of putting on their own TV production, received advice from industry experts and built their confidence and general skills for work.

Tom Bradley, Head of Visual and Performing Arts at Gateshead College who have helped deliver the course said: “It’s been great working with The Prince’s Trust over the last two weeks and seeing the confidence and skills the young people have developed.

“I’d like to give a personal thanks to all the media professionals who’ve been so generous with their time and knowledge to help us show the young people what it takes to make it in the industry.”

The Prince’s Trust helps tens of thousands of young people each year to build the confidence and skills they need to realise their potential. The employability courses offered by The Trust give young people the confidence and practical support needed to stabilise their lives. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training.

To find out more contact The Prince’s Trust on 0800 842 842 or visit The Prince’s Trust website

Thu Mar 28 2024