By Nick Sheridan

The Foundation Degree Internship in Radio Production will give all students the opportunity to gain first hand radio production experience through internships within the radio industry, working alongside experienced industry professionals who will also act as a personal mentor.

The two-year, full-time programme has been developed with significant input from commercial, community and public service broadcasters to ensure that students will be taught the most up-to-date, industry-relevant skills.

The course is taught by skilled practitioners with proven industry experience and has strong links to leading UK broadcast organisations such as Absolute, the BBC, Global Radio and Bauer Media, and community stations represented by the Community Media Association.

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, said: “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.”

To find out more about the Foundation Degree in Radio Production, please visit: http://www.bcu.ac.uk/courses/list/radio-production.

About the author

Nick Sheridan is Skillset press and PR officer. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the Creative Industries. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenges by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.