Izzy joined the team as Junior Content Producer Apprentice for Bristol Media & Ambitious PR just over four months ago and has been a fantastic addition, bringing news skills, a fresh perspective, and you may have even seen her behind the camera at some of our events! She’s provided an update of the last four months and what she’s looking forward to from now until December.
I’ve really settled into my apprenticeship role with Bristol Media and Ambitious PR, the time has flown by! With National Apprentice Week this month and my 4-month job anniversary, I’m updating on my journey so far…
I decided to become an Apprentice whilst I was in my final year of studying Media at college and working part time. When I initially chose college as opposed to A levels, all I knew was that I wanted to work in the creative sector. At the time, an apprenticeship hadn’t even crossed my mind as I thought they were typically only available in engineering or construction, and I was always told that apprenticeships were a last option if you didn’t get the right GCSE’s.
When my college classmates began applying to universities, I began looking for full time jobs. I found that after browsing through Indeed and Totaljobs with the keywords ‘creative’ or ‘digital’, every job that cropped up required experience. I went along to university open days and was tempted with the promise of higher paid jobs if I had a degree, but I wanted to start working as soon as possible and university had never interested me.
A friend of mine had finished an apprenticeship in business admin at the start of my second year of college and was offered full time job within 2 weeks. I was shocked at how easily she found a job, especially since she was still 17 like me, shortly after, I decided to research apprenticeships in Bristol. After reading through some job descriptions and requirements, I realised that it was a perfect fit for me. Many of the roles didn’t require experience and I would get an extra qualification by the end of it.
This was when I found a vacancy for a Digital PR & Content Apprentice for Bristol Media and Ambitious PR on the GOV.UK Find an apprenticeship site. The course I would take alongside the job was what initially attracted me, because my ‘lessons’ were taught by actual industry professionals, and the role was also one that would allow me to put my current skills to use (eg, video and photo editing).
I’ve been working for Bristol Media and Ambitious for 4 months now, I spend 2 days a week with each business then a fifth day with Cirencester College. I didn’t expect to be given as much responsibility as I have, but I’m happy that I have, as it’s given me the opportunity to prove to everyone what I’m capable of.
A part of my job that I’ve really been enjoying is the evenhttps://www.bristolmedia.co.uk/ts that Bristol Media host, I’ve had the chance to see and meet so many speakers and leading industry professionals. One event in particular I found interesting was a Focused Minds Vision keynote by Ros Boughtflower, where we learnt meditation techniques to improve our focus and performance at work.
It hasn’t all been smooth sailing though, a challenge I’ve faced has been adapting my writing style. Until now, I’ve not had practise writing with a business tone of voice, so it’s been a bit of a struggle to keep my blogs and social media posts professional, but this is something I’m excited to develop and get better at as even after this job it will be useful.
I look forward to supporting the team with Social Media Week Bristol in June, I’ve never been before so it will be interesting to see how I can get involved. Also in June is the Bristol Media summer party, which will be a good opportunity for me to network with some of the members, and hopefully get some new industry contacts.
My apprenticeship finishes in December so it is important that I make the most out of my time with both teams and learn as much as possible from them to improve my chances of getting a full-time job afterwards. But for now, I’m excited to carry on developing my skills and finding out more about the creative sector in Bristol.
Bristol Media has appointed Kirsty Phillips as Marketing, Events and Operations Manager, bringing a wealth of client service and marketing communications expertise to the South West based creative industries membership organisation.
About Kirsty’s role
A newly-created full time post, Kirsty will be charged with delivering an exciting programme of events for members, developing marketing communications activities to support membership and managing Bristol Media’s day to day operations. A large part of her role is to champion members outside of the city, raising the profile of Bristol’s creative industries above and beyond the South West.
With a background in client services and over 12 years’ experience working for agencies in the South West as well as internationally, Kirsty has worked with brands including the National Trust, GSK, American Express and McDonald’s, planning and delivering direct marketing, events and branding projects.
Chris Thurling, Bristol Media’s Chair, commented: “Kirsty will be a great addition to the team. She has a breadth of experience that will really help drive our activities, support important collaborations between our members and continue to drive creativity, innovation and the fame of the region across the South West and importantly beyond.
Kirsty added: “Living in Bristol I know just how thriving a city it is and the huge potential it offers. I’m really excited to be joining an organisation committed to raising the profile of a sector that I’m passionate about and am looking forward to helping Bristol Media grow from strength to strength.”
Contact Kirsty
Kirsty is based at the new Origin Workspace on Berkeley Square and is interested in hearing from potential speakers and companies who would like to get involved in Bristol Media’s plans for the year ahead. Contact [email protected].
Following the success of our first workshop with Abbas Media Law, we’re delighted to offer a second workshop specifically for Bristol’s TV & Film community in partnership with the RTS.
Hosted by Nigel Abbas this workshop will, in an interesting and accessible way, discuss the key areas of copyright in TV production that Production Managers need to be aware of.
The session will cover the following:
If you have a burning copyright question this is also your chance to grill Nigel who is one of the most experienced TV media lawyers in the country.
This workshop will take place at The Square Club from 3.30-5.30pm on Tuesday 14th May. The ticket price is £30+VAT for Bristol Media, RTS and Square Club members, otherwise £45+VAT.
Booking is via Eventbrite
About Abbas Media Law
Founded by Nigel Abbas, Abbas Media Law is a specialist niche law firm working principally in the television, film, advertising and publishing industries. We are experts in all aspects of the law and regulation affecting these sectors and advise many of the UK’s leading broadcasters, independent production companies and other content producers.
With particular expertise in television and film, we have advised on thousands of hours of programmes and films over the last two decades, across all genres, from comedy and light entertainment to the most legally complex undercover investigations.
Our lawyers and advisors have worked ‘in-house’ in the past at major UK broadcasters, and advised a wide range of independent production companies and other content producers over many years. We have a clear understanding of the editorial process and how production works. This means that we fully understand the needs of our clients.
We are specialists on all aspects of UK law and regulation affecting the television, film, advertising and publishing industries. We advise before publication and broadcast, working with creatives to minimise legal and regulatory risk, and following publication and broadcast, defending content when it and its producers come under attack. We work day-to-day with many of the country’s leading creative content producers. We are known to all the major media insurers and regularly advise on content for media insurance (E&O) purposes.
To find out more about Nigel Abbas, Abbas Media Law and the services offered, visit www.abbasmedialaw.com
January is traditionally the busiest time of the year when it comes to looking for a new job and with the continued strength of the creative sector, there’s no reason for 2019 to be any different. Why not get ahead and treat yourself to membership of Bristol Media? If you’re a freelancer and you join before 5pm on Wednesday 9th January 2019 we will even give you 3 months FREE so you’ll get 15 months membership for the price of 12.
Creative companies regularly search our online directory and freelance database on SW Creative Jobs to find their next pair of hands for both freelance and permanent roles so give them a chance to find you with an online profile in our member directory. Your online profile is just one of the many ways that Bristol Media can help you connect with creative employers across the region. In addition we hold a variety of networking events and training workshops throughout the year to help inspire you and keep your knowledge and skills up-to-date. And if your CV is looking a little tired and in need of a revamp we can point you in the direction of our recruitment partners who will be more than happy to advise and help get you that all-important interview.
Here’s what some of our freelance members have to say…
“As an independent creative, membership of Bristol Media is a ‘no-brainer’ for me. A valuable asset in terms of the events and support they facilitate, but also a number of clients have found me through the website directory” ~ Carys Tait
“Sometimes being a freelancer can feel a little isolating, Bristol Media does a great job at connecting creative freelancers in the city, it’s a great platform to meet like-minded people” ~ Mark Sharman
“A number of businesses have contacted me after finding my freelance profile through Bristol Media. Happily, most of them are now regular clients” ~ Sam Tarbuck
At just £40+VAT, freelance membership will make you part of one of the UK’s biggest creative networks and could potentially open up limitless opportunities. It could be the best £40 you’ll spend this year! If you’d like to take advantage of this offer just sign up online here and we’ll add on your additional 3 free months and email you confirmation.
Digital Cities is returning to Bristol with a week-long programme of free, inspirational learning and networking opportunities aimed at developing the skills of both the current and next generation of staff working in the creative industries. The project has run successfully in Bristol for five years, bringing industry partners together to boost their region’s digital and production skills and acting as a catalyst for exciting collaborations within the creative sector.
Starting on Monday 26 November, Skills West, a project delivered by Business West and Bristol Media are coordinating a series of free events designed to help your business face a competitive digital future, called Open Doors.
Open Doors
Open Doors is a brilliant opportunity to see behind the scenes of this buzzing industry. Companies from around Bristol will be opening their doors to small groups of guests and sharing an insight into their business which is not normally on show.
This year we have 20 businesses on board who are offering various opportunities, from tours of their workspace and career advice workshops, to question and answer sessions with experts in their field.
All of the Open Doors events are listed here: https://www.businesswest.co.uk/grow/digital-cities-bristol-2018
The beautifully shot three minute film www.uwe.ac.uk/aboutus/realworldfilm uses real students to tell an emotive story of what life is like at UWE Bristol and takes a new approach to promoting a university. The people of Bristol are being called on to support the film and vote for the film by clicking the ‘Like’ button beside the work. The winner will then be featured in the next issue of The Drum (23 July) in the Creative Showcase spread. The next two week’s are particularly special as work shown here will also be displayed at The Drum Live on Wednesday 9 July in a special Blippable Creative Showcase gallery.
Taking a new approach to promoting a university, the film entitled “The University for the Real World”, moves away from the usual factual, prospectus style brand films which often focus on facilities and courses. This film is designed to prompt an emotional connection in viewers and the resulting piece is a powerful representation of life at UWE Bristol, with an emphasis on preparing students for life and careers in the real world as well as access to the great range of social, leisure and lifestyle features of the city of Bristol. The stars of the film, 25 UWE Bristol students, are shown studying and gaining practical experience for their chosen careers in a range of UWE’s excellent facilities alongside their wide ranging leisure interests.
The film aims to highlight to prospective students that UWE Bristol is a top university for passionate people who want to succeed in their chosen career. It has been developed to show what makes UWE Bristol distinctive as a university and raise awareness and the reputation of the University both in the UK and internationally.
UWE Bristol is in the top six English universities for graduate employment and was placed 8th by The Telegraph in its list of top universities for getting a job in 2013.
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More InformationCommenting on her role in the film, business and management student Ellen Riis-White said: “The film made me feel emotional as I’m proud of the university and everything it has to offer…I truly believe this film is going to attract many to look further into all the incredible opportunities UWE, and the city of Bristol has to offer.”
Vice-chancellor, Steve West said: “UWE Bristol is an ambitious University with a real passion and commitment to transforming futures. We are engaged in ground-breaking projects that are inspiring people and improving lives across the globe. This film showcases some of the advances we are making in high-tech/advanced engineering, for example, the film features one of our business students who through her involvement with the UWE Motor Racing Society did her work placement with the Bloodhound Super Sonic Car project .
“Our top priority is to nurture the confident, agile and enterprising graduates that our society and economy needs – the individuals who will go on to shape our future. That is why it is so important that our students are part of these and many other innovative projects, and that we focus on real world experiences for all our students.”
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