A new two-year full time foundation degree course is to launch in Birmingham, aimed at school leavers wanting to get into the radio industry.
Skillset and the Birimgham Skillset Media Academy have developed the Internship in Radio Production, with students being taught by people with first-hand experience in the BBC, commercial radio and community radio.
Students will also get an industry professional who’ll act as their personal mentor. We’re told the course has strong links to the BBC and Community Media Association as well as commercial radio groups Absolute, Global and Bauer.
Skillset’s chief executive, Dinah Caine, said: “The foundation degree is just one part of Skillset’s work to create an industry-recognised talent pipeline for young people pursuing careers in the UK radio industry. This work includes the recent launch of the Route into Radio website, which is helping young people find out more about careers in radio through video case studies of people currently working in the industry.”
The Radio Degree Leader at the Birmingham School of Media, Birmingham City University, Sam Coley, said: “The Birmingham Skillset Media Academy is delighted to be working alongside Skillset and our partner organisations to offer this innovative new course. Students will benefit from the best of both worlds – hands on learning in a real radio environment, supported by university classes designed to build confidence while teaching new skills and a greater understanding of the radio industry.”
Bauer Radio’s Group Managing Director, Dee Ford, added: “These Foundation Degree internships are a great way for students to experience the realities of working in radio, while also giving broadcasters the chance to have first-hand input into the development of the next generation of radio professionals.”