TV stars Ant and Dec have praised a group of young people who are trying to change their lives thanks to a special training programme.
Two weeks ago, the Geordie duo were in Newcastle launching their Making it in Media programme with The Prince’s Trust, aiming to help 16 to 25-year-olds find work in the media and entertainment industry.
On Friday, the TV hosts surprised the young people at Gateshead College after they completed the two-week programme and handed out certificates to recognise their achievements.
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Ant said: "It has been a dream of ours to bring this programme home to Newcastle for such a long time. To finally be here and see what every young person has learnt, how their confidence has grown and what they have produced over the past two weeks has been incredible and humbling. We are so proud of each of them."
Among those who took part was Brandon Johnson-Smith, 21, from Newcastle, who said: "Before the course, I had no idea about what I wanted to do and didn’t really feel like working in the media was something I could do. I’ve really enjoyed the camera and editing work though and it’s now something I’d love to do as a future job."
And Rebecca Kelly, 19, also of Newcastle, added: "Hearing from Ant and Dec today, two people from this area about the doubts and difficulties they faced starting out, alongside the skills and experience I’ve learnt on the programme, have made me feel so much more confident about my future. It's been an amazing experience."
The group now have a chance to attend an afternoon of job interviews at a Prince’s Trust Get Hired event at PROTO in Gateshead on Friday, May 27. And Ant and Dec are calling on businesses to offer opportunities to the youngsters at the event.
Dec said: "The reason we created the Making it in Media programme with The Prince’s Trust was to give talented young people like those we have met today some of the skills needed for this industry.
"If there are businesses out there looking for young, talented people, we would love to hear from you about getting involved with the Get Hired event. By doing this, you can help change a young person’s life here in the North East."
Interested businesses with relevant entry level jobs or internship opportunities in the digital, media and entertainment industries can find out how to get involved by contacting stephanie.greenwell@princes-trust.org.uk at The Prince’s Trust.
Through the programme, those enrolled have been given training on topics such as editing, camera work, script writing and digital skills. They also gained experience of putting on their own TV production and received advice from industry experts.
Tom Bradley, head of visual and performing arts at Gateshead College, who helped deliver the course, said: "It’s been great working with The Prince’s Trust over the last two weeks and seeing the confidence and skills the young people have developed.
"I'd like to give a personal thanks to all the media professionals who’ve been so generous with their time and knowledge to help us show the young people what it takes to make it in the industry."
To find out more about The Prince’s Trust, call 0800 842 842 or visit the charity's website here.
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