Media learner lands dream BBC apprenticeship

Media learner James Hancock has beaten off competition from more than 7,000 applicants to score a dream apprenticeship at the BBC in London.

James, who has just completed Level 3 Creative Media, TV and Film, will start his new role as New Talent Trainee within the BBC News department in September.

The 20-year-old, from Cleethorpes, started at the Grimsby Institute after spending a year studying towards a media A Level at Franklin College.

“I started studying media in my second year at Franklin and really got the love for it, so decided to come here to pick up a fuller course,” he said.

“I always knew I wanted to do an apprenticeship, so when they were released earlier this year I applied for them all.

“The BBC got back to me straightaway and invited me to do a video interview, then I went to the assessment centre in Birmingham and the final stage interview in London.”

James said the interview process was a “stressful” experience, however it helped build his self-belief.

“I got to look back at all my achievements, which is something I’ve never really done.

“During my time at college, I hosted and produced the Music Room on Estuary TV with four of my friends. I’ve also competed at World Skills and worked with North East Lincolnshire Council on the People of Cleethorpes film. It’s been an amazing experience with amazing people.”

He continued: “I’m feeling really excited about going, but at the same time don’t really know what to expect.

“I’ve just been working really hard to save up and make sure this dream comes true.”

James said his college experience has enabled him to enjoy some “truly amazing opportunities”, adding: “I definitely wouldn’t have had them elsewhere.

“If it wasn’t for everything I’ve done here, I wouldn’t have got this job.

“The facilities here are brilliant and the tutors have been so supportive. I can’t thank them enough for helping me to achieve this dream.”

Media Curriculum Manager Tom Hughes said: “James joined us after spending a year at Franklin as he wanted to get more hands on and practical with his TV and film production course. James excelled throughout the course, and really showed an interest in developing his on screen presenting skills. James decided early on that University was not right for him, so we looked at apprenticeships and traineeships as an alternative pathway.

“We are really proud of what James has achieved by securing this placement. It proves that it doesn’t matter where in the UK you are based, the same opportunities are there for students from Grimsby as they are from anywhere else.

“We look forward to hearing from James throughout the apprenticeship and into his new career at the BBC.”

There are still places to enrol on our Media courses. For more information, contact 01472 311222 or come to any of our enrolment events this week.