Signpost Productions partnership boosts employment edge for students

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Major television production company, Signpost Productions, has partnered with the college to give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and valuable employment skills.

Signpost Productions is a part of ITV, the UK’s biggest commercial broadcaster, and, from its base in Gateshead, produces 1,500 hours of content every year for broadcasters, businesses, commercial brands and digital channels.

They will work with staff and students from a range of curriculum areas including digital tech & games, art & design, TV, film & media, high needs and music & performing arts on a range of collaborative opportunities.

The partnership has been formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding with the two organisations agreeing to work together on multiple projects including live commissions, student internships, work placements, guest lectures and masterclasses.

In addition, Signpost will take on an advisor role with the college, to help shape the curriculum to meet the needs of the sector and keep pace with the ever-evolving digital workplace.

The partnership has already got off to an incredible start with college students from technical theatre, music production, photography and dance supporting Signpost’s filming of a short piece which will be broadcast on national TV. In addition, the college’s TV, film and media students have worked on a live brief set by Signpost to research ideas which could potentially be made into a programme for BBC3.

Tom Bradley, Head of Visual and Performing Arts, said: “Our ethos is based around providing education with employment edge. Partnerships like this enable us to provide skilled, work ready students who provide valuable contributions to the industry, even before they become employees.

“Being able to work directly with industry also helps keep us at the forefront of developments in the media industry in the region and beyond.”

Claire Wilson, Head of Partnerships and Development at Signpost Productions, added: “Gateshead’s College’s ethos of developing students with real world skills aligns perfectly with our desire to promote and provide opportunities to students through real world experience. In a traditionally London centric industry we want to show the opportunities that are available to them here in the North East, so that we can grow, develop and retain the local talent we have.”

Thu Mar 28 2024