Life at Bracknell and Wokingham College
Sam Skeates studied a Creative Media Level 3 Extended Diploma at Bracknell and Wokingham College and is now doing an apprenticeship at BBC Radio Berkshire.
“I really enjoyed college. The course was great and I put a lot of work into it which paid off in the end, as I got a distinction,” Sam said.
“I also had a brilliant group of mates who I’m still in touch with today, which is just as important for making college a positive experience.”
My fondest memory
Sam shared his favourite memory from his time at college.
“One day that I remember well was when we had to film a documentary. I decided to do a sport documentary as I’m a big Liverpool supporter, so I wanted to film a piece on Liverpool FC,” he said.
“I contacted the sports department directly to see if one of the footballers wanted to come and be a part of it, and the guy they sent turned out to be an old friend of mine who I’d lost contact with!
“It made the documentary a lot more meaningful for me, and made the whole experience more special. It was great seeing the end product, after our reunion.”
Life since college
Sam discovered the BBC Radio Berkshire apprenticeship opportunity through his tutors at college, who encouraged him to apply.
“I’ve been a production apprentice at BBC Radio Berkshire since September, so, almost half a year now and I’m absolutely loving it,” Sam said.
“As part of my role, I help produce shows and I edit the Reading FC podcast that airs on Saturdays. I’m also getting into the social media side of it, and doing some video editing and filming, too.
“I’m really trying to do as much as I can to work out where I want to go next. The apprenticeship is helping me see what I find enjoyable and where my strengths are.”
Returning to college to inspire current students
Sam recently returned to Bracknell and Wokingham College to speak to current creative media students. Sam’s former tutor, Paul Boddy, shared his praise.
“We are extremely proud of Sam’s achievements. He was a Distinction-level student at Bracknell and Wokingham College and always put in 100% effort throughout his course,” Paul Boddy, Media Lecturer at Activate Learning, said.
“His visit showed what can be achieved by studying Creative Media here, and gave our current students a valuable insight into the process of applying for and working in an apprenticeship.”
Proudest achievements
Sam reflected on his proudest achievements from college and the apprenticeship.
“I was extremely proud of my final video project that I created at college. It was a music video for the song Let You by Iann Dior, and I think it was my favourite video that I’ve produced,” Sam said.
“I am also really proud that I secured a place on the apprenticeship with BBC Radio Berkshire, and what I have achieved during the programme so far.
“Just last week, I was listening back to the Reading FC podcast that I edit, and it hit me that it’s on BBC Sounds. That’s something I’ve created is on there is a big achievement for me.”
Advice after leaving college
Sam has some advice to share with students who are leaving college soon.
“You’ve just got to go in and be confident! Don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask questions,” he said.
“Building up a network is really important. When you’re meeting new people, pick up on an area of common interest and go from there. You never know what doors it might open for you.
“It never hurts to be curious and proactive, particularly when you’re fairly new in industry.”