Way2Go - National 5 by Distinctive Media Group Ltd

tHE yEAR tHAt WAS...

1994

WHAt WAS gOINg ON IN tHIS yEAR?... SEE PAgE 18

FILM

SPECIAL!!

ISSUE 05 fEbRUaRy 2010

LIVE/LEARN/ ASPIRE/ACHIEVE P26

WHEN SMALL IS bEAUtIFUL

P30 P33

gEttINg tHE SCRIPt RIgHt

CELEbRAtINg tHE bESt OF yOUNg FILM-MAKINg tALENt

FOR LOADS MORE gREAt CAREERS INFO VISIt: WWW.WAy2gOMAgAzINE.CO.UK

PLAytIME REVIEWS

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS...

TREPRENEUR?

TANFIELD LEA BUSINESS CENTRE MODERN OFFICE SPACE FOR 18-30s

WWW.THEWAY2gomagazine.CO.UK

Nanotechnology

explore the world of nanomaterials... The interest in nanomater ials and nanotechnology was started by Richard Feynman [a famous pa rticle physicist and lectur er] in 1959, who gave a talk entitled ‘plenty of room at the bottom’. Ultimately, nanomaterial is about making mater s ials with atomic precis ion, allowing incredibl control of their propertie e s and enabling a whole range of applications. Such atomic control can already be achieved in the scientific laboratory and control at the ten s of nanometer scale is commonly found in the electronics industry.

NanoMaterials Inspiring Commercial

Success

There are fewer and few er young people going into science, however it is as important as ev er to keep their interest in subjects that shape our lives and are essen tial in helping to combat the challenges of today and the future. To ass ist this, NanoCentral® has developed the It’s small world educational a programme for school students. The next interactive it’s a small world event wil l be held as part of the NanoMaterials2010 co nference, at the Russell Hotel, London, 9-10 Jun 2010. Places at the ev e ent are open to schoo ls, groups, or individuals seeking to learn more about how nanomater ials is revolutionising modern materials scien ce. For more information on nanomaterials, or for de tails of the it’s a small world programme, inc luding a teachers’ ha ndout, contact Dr Ste Devine on : ve tel: 01740 625 729 email: steve.devine@na nocentral.eu web: www.nanocentral.e u

WWW.NANOCENtRAL.EU

foreword

Happy New year to you all! Right now, we are in the middle of Apprenticeship Week, and you may even have been involved in one or more of the numerous events taking place up and down the country. Apprenticeship Week enables us to celebrate some of the achievements of apprentices and employers across the country. You can also find out all about the opportunities available for young people at our website, or in your local careers service or Connexions office.

As job security and career skills become more important than ever, apprentices become an increasingly popular route for young people. Not only do they offer the chance to earn as you learn, but you will benefit from good long term job prospects and higher earning potential. Indeed, Sheffield University recently found that salaries increase by up to 22% on completion of a Level 3 Apprenticeship.

At the close of 2009, we were happy to report the highest numbers of Apprenticeships ever recorded, with nearly 240,000 started last year. We also have a record number of vacancies on the website – over 7,200 currently available to search and apply online. If you think an Apprenticeship could be for you, register on the site to find out more and read case histories.

From me and everyone at apprenticeships.org.uk, we wish you every success for 2010!

Simon Waugh Chief Executive National Apprenticeship Service

“Sheffield University recently found that salaries increase by up to 22% on completion of a Level 3 apprenticeship”

INTRODUCTION

WElCOME TO IssUE 05: Welcome Back!

PAGE 26

W2G welcomes in 2010 and wishes you a happy new year. For some this will be a life changing year – is this the year you decide to take your education to the next step or to take the leap into the world of employment? W2G will hopefully give you an insight into the various opportunities that are available. Maybe this is the year when you make the choices in student life which will shape your future, make sure you take all the available advice and follow whatever path you take with a sense of both excitement and enjoyment W2G opens the New Year where we focus on the Media. From the director to writing the screen play we have contributions from independent film makers Sherylee Houssein, Clive Tonge and Dale Corlett, all featured between pages 30 and 38

WhEN sMAll Is BEAUTIFUl

PAGE 30

All your regular features are inside This Was The Year (1994), Way2Cook, along with PlayTime which features the latest revues on Film, DVD and Games. We also introduce our latest member of the team Katy Bennett, who is a year 11 student at Carmel School in Darlington, County Durham. We will follow Katy’s progress through her student life, as she lives, learns, aspires and hopefully achieves her goals. Enjoy the read, if there is anything you particularly like about W2G or there is a particular topic you would like us to feature please get in touch the email address is: production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

GETTING ThE sCRIPT RIGhT

PAGE 33 Distinctive Publishing Ltd, 8th floor, Aidan House, Sunderland Road, Gateshead NE8 3HU

T: 0191 4788346 John Dean & Francis Griss

FEATURE EDITOR

deangriss@btinternet.com Pete Thompson

PRODUCTION MANAGER pete.thompson@distinctivepublishing.co.uk Ewan Waterhouse

BUsINEss DEvElOPMENT MANAGER ewan.waterhouse@distinctivepublishing.co.uk

CElEBRATING ThE BEsT OF yOUNG FIlMMAkING TAlENT

lIvE/lEARN/AsPIRE/AChIEvE

CONTENTS W2G MAGAZINE 05 8. PlAyTIME y yTIME 12. NEW yyEAR NEW yOU - N.A.s. 14. FUTURE lEADERs - MAERsk 16. WhAT WhATs ChOCOlATE IN sPANIsh? - R.I.l. 18.ThE yEAR ThAT WAs 1994 20. GOING TO sChOOl By BUs AND METRO - NExUs 22. ThE vvOx FACTOR - A4E 24. A sUCCE sUCCEssFUl PARTNERshIP - CONNExIONs 26. WhEN sMAll Is BEAUTIFUl 28. ENCOURAGING TAlENTED yOUNG FIlM MAkERs 29. ClIvE TONGE q&A 30. GETTING ThE sCRIPT RIGhT

32. CElEBRATING ThE BEsT OF yOUNG FIlM-MAkING TAlENT 34. DAlE CORlETT q&A 35. shERR sh shERRylEE hOUssEIN q&A 36. ITs C ChICO TIME 40. ARE yOU y lOOkING TO sTART yOUR OWN BUsINEss BUT

PlAyTIME PAGE 08

DONT kNOW kNOW WhERE TO BEGIN ? - DURhAM COUNTy COUNCIl 42. NEW ENTERPRIsE IN NEWCAsTlE - RTC NORTh 44. xxxxxxxx - ROlls ROyCE 46. EARN As yOU lEARN - PD PORTs 48. DIGITA DIGITAl AND CREATIvE INDUsTRIEs - NWDA 52. BEING ThE APPRENTICE - ChEMICAls NORThWEsT 54. PROGRE PROGREssION INFORMATION - AIM hIGhER 56. sTUDENT s DIARy 58. qUAl q qUAlIFICATIONs FOR ThE REAl WORlD - sqA 60. PUTTING ThE “sTAR” IN sTARTING OUT - OPITO 62. TIME2COOk TIME

playtime RAlF By ThE

. . . s E MOvI

AvATAR

Avatar is without a doubt, completely, 100% the film that has been playing over and over in James Cameron’s head for the past 14 years, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what’s in our heads. Although it does pay off as a hugely rewarding experience for the whole family, with its rich, soulful and extremely exciting story and design. Like nothing we have ever seen Avatar incorporates a world of ambition and complexity that entices both our eyes and ears. With shots and sequences that boggle the mind, from the epic floating mountain range in the sky to the waterfalls cascading into nothingness. The level of immersive detail here is simply amazing! (Stunning in IMAX 3D) It’s been twelve years since Titanic, but the King of the World has returned with a flawed but fantastic tour de force that, taken on its merits as a film, especially in two dimensions, warrants four stars. However, if you can wrap a pair of 3D glasses round your peepers, this becomes a transcendent, full-on five-star experience that’s the closest we’ll ever come to setting foot on a strange new world!

RATING h h h h h

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU SEE: n Star Wars Episode III n Babylon A.D. n The Lord of the Rings

“ThE ClOsEsT WE’ll EvER COME TO sETTING FOOT ON A sTRANGE NEW WORlD”

PLAytIME

“WE ARE NEVER gOINg tO gEt tHE CHANCE tO SEE tHE gREAtESt SHOWMAN ON EARtH AgAIN!”

DVD’S...

THIS IS IT

Michael Jackson’s “this is it” is a masterpiece, packed with 150 hours of rehearsal footage, secret interviews and backstage moments captured on film. It’s hard not to see him on the screen without feeling a mixture of sorrow (the fact we are never going to get the chance to see the greatest showman on earth again!) and elation (the fact he proves he was the best showman on earth!). While watching the superstar it becomes instantly apparent, despite rumours, that he was still in full possession of that unmistakable voice and highpitched whoops, while still defying gravity better than a man half his age. It showcases dance routines featuring Jackson and his awesomely athletic dancers, recruited from around the world. But in “This is it” there was no chance for multiple takes or fast cutting disguise deficiencies in the dancing this was it and all there was. Though Michael Jackson never played a single date of his intended nine-month O2 residency, fans may yet get a taste of the tour that never was. Unbelievable!!

RAtINg hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU SEE: n Moonwalker n Thriller: 25th Anniversary n HIStory and I

PLAytIME

. . . C I S U m

Chipmunk i am Chipmunk

UK grime artist Chipmunk has finally recorded his first studio album after pushing it back a whole year because of signing with Columbia records. While he’s only 18, Chipmunk’s new commercial take on the UK hip-hop has made him part of the recent surge of crossover artists such as Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz, following Dizzee Rascal into the pop mainstream. The rawer content of his earlier releases airbrushed with diva-sung choruses, and polished dance production was a subject matter that looks outside the streets of the London estates. With his head in the right place this talented rapper has confidence in Jay-Z proportions and defiantly knows how to crossover Pop-grime with the mainstream appeal to make an impressive dent in the charts. Especially with the singles Chip Diddy Chip and Diamond Rings, Chipmunk will defiantly be hitting the music scene hard in 2010.

RATING hhhhh

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND LISTEN TOO: n N-Dubz - Against All Odds n Tinchy Stryder - Catch 22 n Jay Z - The Blueprint 3

“tHIS tALENtED RAPPER HAS CONFIDENCE IN JAy-z PROPORtIONS ”

PLAytIME

gAMES...

LEgO ROCK bAND

When the disparate worlds of LEGOs and rock stars collide, strange and wonderful things can happen. Seeing LEGO versions of Iggy Pop, a mustache-emblazoned Freddie Mercury bash out their hits amidst a visual rock-n-roll cacophony of plastic toy bricks and rampant silliness offers far more enjoyment then we might first care to admit. Successfully combining two very distinct and well-known franchises, LEGO Rock Band goes a long way towards making the rhythm game genre more palatable to a truly all-ages audience. LEGO Rock Band’s family-friendly fare indeed offers a few tunes specifically for the kiddies (the Ghostbusters theme, Kung Fu Fighting, Walking On Sunshine, Crocodile Rock), though it still contains a solid mix of pop, rock, and punk to get the fists pumping. Tracks by Spinal Tap, Iggy Pop, Vampire Weekend, Foo Fighters, The Hives, and Europe provide some relief from the lighter tunes in the mix, for those whose tastes lean towards the more rocking end of the musical spectrum. LEGO Rock Band does a great job of tailoring the core rhythm gameplay to its intended audience and if you’ve ever been a fan of LEGOs and have even a passing interest in music games, you’ll have some fun with these blocky rockers.

RAtINg h h h h h

IF YOU LIKED THIS I RECOMMEND YOU TRY: n Guitar Hero n Sing Star n Rock Band

“LEgO ROCK bAND gOES A LONg WAy tOWARDS MAKINg tHE RHytHM gAME gENRE MORE PALAtAbLE tO A tRULy ALL-AgES AUDIENCE”

You ew N Year New

boost ticships appren how at look to we want you want! career the to in you t ge & the nation Last year a record number of 240,000 people started an Apprenticeship, proving that they are becoming an ever more popular way for young people to enter a career. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) currently has over 7,200 vacancies advertised through its online recruitment tool at apprenticeships.org.uk with new jobs coming live every day.

WWW.APPRENTICESHIPS.ORG UK

So what is so good about Apprenticeships? You learn.. Well for one thing, they are available in just about every industry you can think of. Whether you fancy becoming an engineer, a nurse, a baker, a stonemason or an events manager, Apprenticeships could provide you with a route into these careers.

You earn! It seems obvious, but one of the most attractive things about taking an Apprenticeships that you will earn a salary. As an apprentice, you are officially employed by the company and will earn a minimum of £95 per week.

They help British business: Case Histories from the front line Now that Christmas is fading into the distant past many people will be breathing a sigh of relief. For many people and businesses, Christmas is the busiest and most stressful time of year. So how do they cope with the strain? This year, record numbers of apprentices working across the country have benefitted hundreds of thousands of companies, putting their skills into action to help a wide variety of British business run as smooth as brandy butter.

Case history One: The stamp of success With workloads increasing fantastically during December, Royal Mail is one company that particularly relies on their apprentices. Having recently recruited over 100 apprentices, Diane Cashell, Accreditation Manager at Royal Mail comments, “Obviously our whole model changes at Christmas and all members of staff, no matter what their role, will be involved in what we call ‘the operation’. The amount of mail posted each day, usually 75 million items, can as much as double so it really is all hands on deck. We place a lot of importance on our Apprenticeship programme and it’s great to see them working away to ensure that all of the mail is delivered in time.”

Case History Two: Eat, drink and be merry Since 87% of us Brits eat roast turkey for their Christmas dinner, you can be sure that butchers and their apprentices up and down the country spend the run up to Christmas run off their feet. Alan Brown, Master Butcher and Cranstons Food Hall Manager (have photo) says, “Christmas is an extremely busy time for us. Our apprentices are a crucial part of the team, preparing Christmas accompaniments such as our Cumberland sausage chipolatas and helping us with turkey allocations”.

Case History Three: Mince pies around the fire Having invested in apprentices for years, Sainsbury’s reap the benefits of employing them at this busy time of year. Gary Tovey, Sainsbury’s qualifications and skills manager, says, “Sainsbury’s apprentices make a huge contribution all year round and even more so at Christmas. From a whole fresh salmon from the fish counter to the freshly baked mince pies from the in-store bakery, apprentices play a vital role in delivering high-quality food to Sainsbury’s shoppers. The success and positive impact of the apprentices is shown by Sainsbury’s target to have an apprentice in every supermarket by March 2010.”

Case History Four: He’s behind you For millions of British families, a trip to the theatre to see the panto is a staple part of winter. So with the season nearly upon us, the five cultural and heritage venue apprentices at Birmingham Hippodrome are coming into their own. Having enjoyed a sell-out production of Sleeping Beauty this season, Birmingham Hippodrome relied on its apprentice team to pull off a seamless front of house operation. Glen Ivison, HR Manager at Birmingham Hippodrome theatre says, “It’s a win win situation. Our Apprenticeship scheme allows young people to gain the first step on the ladder of a career in the arts, and we benefit hugely from having a team of bright and enthusiastic staff. It’s worked well so far, and next year we hope to recruit other apprentices, this time in technical teams.”

WWW.APPRENTICESHIPS.ORG UK

What is an Apprenticeship? As employees, apprentices earn a wage and work alongside experienced staff to gain job-specific skills. Off the job, usually on a day-release basis, apprentices receive training to work towards nationally recognised qualifications. Anyone living in England, over 16 and not in full time education can apply. Apprenticeships can take between one and four years to complete depending on the level of Apprenticeship and the industry sector. The minimum salary is £95 a week, however, many apprentices earn significantly more. Key benefits: • earn a salary • get paid holidays • receive training • gain qualifications • learn job-specific skills.

Your Career Employers all over the country recognise and value Apprenticeships as they show that you’ve been trained in the skills they need. Once you’ve completed your Apprenticeship you can choose to carry on working, undertake more advanced training or even go on to higher education. Your employer and learning provider Your employer will provide your on-the-job training and pay your wages. A learning provider is usually a local college or specialist training organisation responsible for the rest of your training. The learning provider will appoint a mentor who will follow your progress and work with the employer to ensure your training is well planned. It seems that apprentices are as part and parcel of Christmas as Santa Claus. So, as you breathe a sigh of relief that it’s all over for another year, spare a thought for Britain’s hard working apprentices. Maybe next year it will be you! Happy New Year!

S R E D A E L E R FUtU a st ju t no is e em ch S e ne ai tr k rs ae the M r fo g in ok lo e ar e w ; ip sh ce ti en pr modern day ap th at bo ny pa m co al ob gl a of s er ad le the future sea and ashore.

WWW.SEACAREERS.CO.UK SEACAREERS CO

Our 100 training officers head to the infamous SAS training ground, the Brecon Beacons, for a week long leadership programme consisting of;

bRIDgE bUILDINg, CANOEINg, CLIMbINg, CAVINg, AND ORIENtEERINg. PROMOtINg tEAM WORK AND gOOD COMMUNICAtION SKILLS. This programme has set our trainees, some as young as 16, on the path to becoming a Captain, Chief Engineer, Managing Director or Vice Presidents or one of the worlds leading companies.

CRAIg yOUNg

RUtH SCOtt

outh ts from S of studen d e for r st e si n th o e Wales c ining tog in jo k s e e e g e w ll e Th ash co and Wars Tyneside r and we . g in each othe w e teambuild n k d of y ll By the en ning rea 6 people. the begin as a f t o r a e s y p th d u e o g b ro No g well to random g in rk to o life in w t to s li u r to get transfe were sp we could e aim was t th a k th e e ls w il the le sk ing valuab team, gain rder to h day in o were on board. vities eac ti es c a ti t vi n ti c re ease am. The a s did diffe l more at e The group how to work as a te fe e n o ry ve e e d se e s make u k this help and I thin tions. good fun a ere si of the tu eir staff w with some nd of all th re also good a t n e ll e re exc hey we amics we geable. T bing up Team Dyn d knowled n ch as clim a su d e rs c a n e fe ri e e m xp a e c very over ging us to at encoura heights. ere may igh t I think th p e to quite h xc e nd le enjoyab keeping a week was e log book ess as we had e th th s f a o h c st Mo s su ointl some part ere a bit p ple felt w have been that. o e st p ju t a g th in ng ollege do c in essay writi ch as s th n s skills su t six mo d taught u m-mates. just spen n a e il h w r tea worth trust in ou ence was The experi mmunications and o ,c teamwork

Before beginning the sea pha se of my cadetship Maersk had organised a teambuilding bui lding event at Wern Watkin, Wales. We were told that it would be five days long, each of the m involving a different activity . Nearer the date of the cou rse we were set an agenda stating our flight details and also the activities that the week consisted of. On our arrival we were met by the members of team dynamics, the group who would be look ing after us for the week. Team dynamics was made up of five people who had a great amount of life experience. Most of them were retired from the army and had decided to use there skills from their experie nces to benefit others. When we reac hed Wern Watkin we were spli t into groups of five and six, these were picked at random. Eac h team was then designated a team leader from team dynamics to help them through the week. We then sat down as a group and got to know each other a little bet ter and discussed what we would be doing throughout the week. We completed many Tasks including walks, caving, climbing and canoeing around the Brecon Beacons. At the end of the week we came together as a group and discussed what we had lear nt. It was at this point that I realised how beneficial the week had been. The teamwork require d through the week was quite demanding. It made us look after one another, for example, whilst climbing we worked togethe r helping each other up the rock face . Another positive gained from the week was understanding how important good communica tion can be. It allowed us to get the task done quickly and effe ctively. I will not lie in saying that the course was hard work as we finished the week with a 16km walk across the mountains. How ever it was definitely worth while and I would recommend it to oth er cadets.

Information concerning the Maersk training Scheme can be found at www.seacareers.co.uk WWW.SEACAREERS.CO.UK

E t A L O C O H C S WHAtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; IN SPANISH? ? N A M R E g R O ? H C N E R F OR

? K A E P S U O y N A C S E g A U g N A WHAt L 16

www.routesintolanguages.ac.uk

Remember when you tried out a word in another language and it worked...

Maybe you asked for something in a shop, in another country. Hopefully you got smiles and felt happy that you’d made yourself understood. Maybe you didn’t, maybe you actually said something different and got a different reaction! If you see a sign and cannot understand it because it’s written in another language, does that mean you don’t get into so much trouble? You can’t always remember words in another language, or what they mean. At Routes into Languages, we say- Keep going, don’t give up- language skills are in demand from employers across the world. Learning can be fun and there are lots of competitions and quizzes to take part in. We’re always interested in real life stories when you’ve tried something new in another language. We know that lessons in school aren’t usually as much fun as going to visit another country.

SEEMS LIKE A LONg WAy AWAy – bUt jUSt tHINKYour future job may be to work for a company with business contacts in other parts of the world. You’re likely to be part of an international team, and you’ll need to understand what is polite and what isn’t, in other cultures. Learning the language is a great part of this cultural awareness too. Does it remind you of other subjects at school? We think that many subjects overlap with language learning, and some schools we know teach sport, history, biology and other subjects too, using another language. Routes into Languages have loads of university students working at schools and colleges with teachers and pupils, to help you get excited about learning languages. We work in England and Wales.

VIDEOS tO CHECK OUt:

• Have a look at student pop videos on our website, with the winners form Cornwall and Devon www.routesintolanquages.ac.uk/southwest • The Language and Film Talent Awards are back and you can see winning entries on www.youtube.com/thelaftas

www.routesintolanguages.ac.uk

. . . S A W T A H T R A E Y HE

Jan 26 Feb 12

A man fires two blank shots at Prince Charles in Sydney Australia

Mar 12

A photograph taken in 1936 by Marmaduke Wetherell, previously believed to be proof of the Loch Ness monster is confirmed to be a hoax

Winter Olympics are held in Lillehammer, Norway

Apr 5

Kurt Cobain from the band Nirvana, died at his home in Seattle – suicide by a self inflicted shotgun wound to the head

May 6

The Channel Tunnel which took 15,000 workers over seven years to complete opens between England and France

Jun 17

OJ Simpson involved in a low-speed chase on the California Highway, after the killing of two people outside his home

Jul 2 Aug 31 Sep 22 Oct 21 Nov 5 Dec 13

!! !! UU ALL UU TO F O R Y TS U!! FO STAR UUU E R O HE AIN R Y E T HE R E FO B I’LL EN T HER T WH BE ’I LL

Columbian Footballer Andres Escobar is shot dead, his murder was retaliation for his own goal in the 1994 World Cup game against the USA The Provisional IRA announces a complete cessation of military operations First episode of Friends shown on NBC North Korea and United States sign an agreement that requires North Korea to stop its Nuclear Weapons program and agree to inspections George Foreman wins the WBA and IBF World Heavyweight Championship by knocking out Michael Moorer, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion in history Fred West, remanded in custody charged with the murder of 12 young people, found buried at his house – 25 Cromwell Street

Top 10 games... og 3 Sonic The Hedgeh Jim rm wo rth Ea try Donkey Kong Coun s Star War Sonic and Knucles Batman and Robin Warcraft NBA Jam Theme Park Doom II

A INN ...D ...... A NN NAA AN!! N .DI A.. ..DIN AAA N A DIN INNA AAA A ...D ATM ....B

Top 10 movies... Forrest Gump The Lion King True Lies The Santa Clause The Flintstones Dumb & Dumber Clear and Present Danger Speed The Mask Pulp Fiction

1994

Top 10 Songs... Wet Wet Wet – Love is All Around Whigfield – Saturday Night Pato Banton – Baby Come Back East 17 – Stay Another Day All-4-One – I Swear Mariah Carey – Without You Bon Jovi – Always Let Loose Crazy For You r D-Ream – Things Can Only Get Bette Ace of Bass – The Sign

NORTHEAST

L O O H C S gOINg tO O R t E M D N by bUS A e it to get s u u yo o D ? rt o p s n a tr When do you use public ur friends yo h it w d n u ro a t e g to to school or college, or lidays? o h l o o h c s e th in d n a s d after school, at weeken

WWW.NExUS.ORg.UK

WHy USE PUbLIC tRANSPORt? Obviously travelling by public transport gives you more independence than getting lifts from your parents. Of course it’s more environmentally friendly, and from just £1 a day – it’s probably cheaper than you think it is. If you’re going to travel by public transport to get to school, here are a few things we do to help you:

tHE RIgHt tICKEt If you’re in year 11 or below - get a CAT! A CAT is a Child All-day Ticket - and you can travel all day on all public transport in Tyne and Wear with one. And they’re only £1! Use the U16 CAT as a return ticket – or make several journeys with it and save loads of money! So, if you travel to school and back by bus or Metro, buy a ticket in the morning and you’ll be able to use it on your way home too. Or if you go back to your friend’s house after school before you go home, or perhaps pop to the shops, your £1 CAT will still get you there. And the CAT can be even better value at weekends and in school holidays, when you have more time to get out and about – use it to meet up with friends or visit your Gran, go shopping or to the cinema, get your hair cut or have a day at the seaside. You’ll need to show your Under 16 Card to be able to buy the U16 single fare or U16 CAT. Under 16 Cards are free, so if you haven’t got one, get an application form from any Nexus TravelShop or at nexus.org.uk. So all you need to do is buy a CAT at the start of your day, keep it safe, and wherever the day takes you, as long as you’re in Tyne and Wear, you won’t have to worry about having enough money for fares. We also sell season tickets for travel to school - School Passes. Further details of all tickets available to children and young people going to school are on nexus.org.uk.

WHAt IF I’M OVER 16? Have a look at nexus.org.uk. It includes timetable information for buses, scholars services and Metro, as well as news items about public transport that are relevant to you. You can sign up to be sent an email if there are delays on Metro, or renew your Teen Travelticket or 16-18 Metro Student Card online. And if you need to get somewhere you’ve not been before, use the online Journey Planner to help you get there. There are a wide range of tickets which can be used on Metro, Shields Ferry, bus and local rail services or on a combination of them all. The ticket section will help you work out which is the best one for you to buy, depending on which type of transport you’re using and how often you’re travelling. There are special season tickets if you just use one type of transport (eg the 16 -18 Metro Student Card if you just use Metro or the Teen Travelticket if you use more than one type/all types of public transport). All the information and links you’ll need are there – or pick up a Student Ticket leaflet from a Nexus TravelShop.

Finding out about travel To find out what public transport connects your home to school call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33, go to the Journey Planning or Schools and Colleges sections on nexus.org.uk.

WWW.NExUS.ORg.UK

R O t C A F x tHE VO real “by recreating nments, o ir v n e g in k r o w valuable learners gain ce in work experien y will e h t t a h t s a n e ar heir encounter in t adult life.”

R A g D I L StEVE RAtIONS,

PE HEAD OF O

VOx

Sby, IM R g , ES tE N O N tO K C tO S IN VE IF yOU LI M A H g IN M IR b , H IC W M O R b t ES W PONtEFRACt, At yOU tH IS D O O IH EL K LI E tH , D EL FI S N OR MA x! WILL HAVE SEEN, OR HEARD OF VO

WWW.A4E.CO.UK

A4e’s Vox Centres are high quality vocational training facilities for young people aged 5-19. There are currently six Vox Centres across the UK, with a further three centres opening in Brixton, Nottingham and Skelton in March 2010 and Sheffield later in the year.

The Vox Centres allow young people to achieve accredited work related qualifications, from NVQ’s Foundation Learning, through to Diplomas. Teaching and learning is undertaken in safe, realistic working environments. The young People are able to test out their skills in hair and beauty salons, business administration suites, industrial catering facilities, hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, gyms with Jacuzzis and sauna’s and construction trades academies. Vox was the brainchild of Steve Lidgard who now heads up all of A4e’s Vox provision. Steve’s vision saw the development of A4e’s flagship centre in an old aircraft hanger in Grimsby. Steve believed that for some young people; full-time education in a classroom wasn’t the right path and for many, disengagement was caused by a one-size fits all approach. By creating high quality vocational provision many more young people now have the chance to achieve their full potential. Steve believes “that by recreating real working environments, learners gain valuable work experience in arenas that they will encounter in their adult life.”

Sally Orlopp: A4e’s Director of Education and Enterprise feels that “when a young person comes to one of our centres they can expect high quality provision, delivered by vocational experts in a safe working environment. Just because they are not doing well in school, doesn’t mean that they can’t achieve their personal aspirations and goals.” The Mansfield Vox centre is the first facility in the country to cater for younger children, with the launch of ‘Vox 4 Tots!’ The pilot initiative is aimed at primary school children who are finding it difficult to make the transition into school life. Vox 4 Tots also offers individual guidance and support for the children and their parents. The Vox Centres are valued by young people, schools and local authorities. Young people are able to study by means of an alternative path and provision offered in the centres can contribute to Diplomas and deliver all the criteria of the Foundation Learning Tier.

“when a yo ung perso n comes to one of our centres th ey can expect hig h quality provision, delivered by vocatio nal in a safe w experts orking environme nt.”

SALLy ORLOPP A4E’S DIRECtO R OF EDUCAtION A ND ENtERPRIS E

For more information about VOX contact Steve Lidgard, Head of Operations, Mob: 07841256351 Email: slidgard@a4e.co.uk

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: Partnership A Successful ty Durham working with the Esh Group Connexions Coun

Eight young men who had just comp leted a ground breaking initiative aimed at giving young people the ch ance to work with one of County Durham’s largest employers receive d the early Christmas present of a Job offer from the Esh Group! The eight 16 to 18 year olds, who took part in the Esh Connexts programme, have been offered at least six months paid work and learning with Esh Group. An innovative pilot programme, funded by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) North East, enabled the young men to gain new skills and on-the-job experience to help them improve their understanding of the workplace and their job prospects. The programme, developed by Esh Group working with Connexions, focused on supporting young people from the Durham and Chester-leStreet areas whose lives have been affected by a variety of personal, social or cultural issues. Delivered for two days a week over a 10 week period, the young men learned through classroom based activities and on-the-job work experience in placements within Esh Group. Each was given a different area of work including plumbing, engineering, electrical maintenance and installation and marketing based in one of the Esh Group companies including Lumsden & Carroll Construction, Wilkinson Facilities Services and Dunelm Homes. At an awards day at the end of the programme each received a certificate from the partners involved in the scheme in

recognition for the skills they have acquired. Chris Roberts, Regional Director, LSC North East, said: “For most of these young people this has been their first experience of a working environment. We hope it will encourage them to undertake further training to enable them to acquire the wider skills that are needed to fill the skills gap when the economy recovers. Esh Connexts project has been about making them much more aware of the world of work and its opportunities as well as making the most of their interests and talent.” As well as the backing and commitment from Esh Group, the new jobs have been made possible thanks to Durham County Council’s Economic Regeneration Team and the Durham and Chester-le-Street Local Children’s Board. Both organisations agreed to match fund the programme in line with the Future Jobs Fund which offers subsidies to employers towards training and employing 18 to 24 year olds in receipt of job seekers allowance. It is hoped that this model will be used to help young people in the region in the future.

can do to enhance the skills and future employability prospects of our young people. We are looking forward to continuing to develop this good working relationship with Esh Group, one of County Durham’s biggest and most prestigious companies”. “Esh Group’s example is one we hope others will follow. It will be wonderful if permanent jobs can be offered, however, the real experience of work and learning in context is valuable in itself. This initiative will have improved the life chances of these young people and placed them in a much stronger position going forward.” Brian Manning, Chief Executive of Esh Group, added: “We are very happy to be involved in this ambitious project with Connexions and are very pleased to be able to work with, support and help these young people whom we hope will prove to be future success stories. We are delighted to be able to offer them the chance to work and train with us for six months in the New Year and look forward to welcoming them and to seeing them progress further.”

Chris Peverall, Delivery Manager for the Durham and Chester le Street Connexions Centre said: “This exciting venture underlines what working in partnership with employers

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WHEN SMALL IS bEAUtIFUL In an age when films can cost millions of dollars to make, low budget films would seem to have little chance of success.

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By John Dean & Frances Griss DeanGriss@Btinternet.com

h b $ ca m

tHE bLAIR WItCH PROJECt

Like Para normal Activity, this was another s mall bud get horror fil m that m ade it big. Made for a rep ort $60,000, Its shaky ed camera s tyl million w e took $240 orldwide .

EVIL DEAD

s Sam In the 1980 , made Raimi’s film 0, went for $350,00 ome a onto to bec big hit.

ROCKy

tarring the movie s allone Sylvester St -out as a washed ade for m s a w r e x o b de a $1m and ma otal of worldwide t $225m.

My bIg FAt gREEK WEDDINg

Often cit ed most pro as the fitable independ ent film of a time, My big Fat g ll ree Wedding cost $5m k and took ne worldwid arly $350m e.

EASy RIDER Dennis Hopper and Jack Nicholson became big name stars thanks to the success of this 1960s film, which cost $340,000 to make and made $40m.

However, time and time again, such films capture the public imagination and go global despite humble beginnings. It’s the fact that keeps many independent film-makers going despite the many setbacks they encounter. Perhaps the best recent example was a movie which turned into one of the biggest successes of 2009. Having been made for a reported $11,000, and gone on to easily top $100m takings in the US alone, the horror film Paranormal Activity also showed the power of the Internet. The key to the horror film’s success was a web-based campaign in which people were asked to demand that the movie be shown in their home town and city.

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tino n a r a tin t making n e u q t $1m hich n e p s lm, w collect fi e th n to ide. o t n we rldw o w $22m

In the initial weeks of the campaign, more than a million people from around the US logged onto a specially created website with the result that Paramount Films released it nationwide. Explaining the thinking behind the campaign, Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures, said: “From the very beginning, we put this film in the hands of the fans and we trusted them to tell us where and when it should be seen. We couldn’t be more thrilled by their overwhelming support.“ So if you are a film-maker with a great idea but not much money to turn it into a movie, pin this page on the wall as an inspiration!

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ENCOURAgINg tALENtED

they are the people whose vision and determination brings small budget films to the screen - and there has never been a better time to join their ranks. AL!!

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Independent film-making is booming in the United Kingdom, offering opportunities for young people who have the imagination and work ethic needed to turn their dreams into reality. All around the country can be found small film-makers, many of them learning their craft in universities and colleges, striving to be part of a sector which saw 62 UK films made in the first nine months of 2009, up from 61 in the same period in 2008. One of the key reasons for the success of independent film-making is technology which means that films can be made for much smaller budgets than ever used to be the case. One key advance has been the advent of digital cameras, which means that costly celluloid is no longer needed. Typical of those taking advantage of the opportunities is Clive Tonge, whose breakthrough came five years ago with a small film that went onto to enjoy international success. Clive was the director of an animated adaptation of the Russian fairytale Babayaga. Helped by organisations including film agency Northern Film and Media, Middlesbrough Council and Teesside University, where Clive works, he directed Emily and the Babayaga, which appeared at international festivals, was screened in countries including Canada and Spain and secured a number of awards. Clive, of Sedgefield in County Durham, who is now working on other film projects, acknowledges that new technology created opportunities that simply did not exist before. He said: “The difference is the arrival of digital. I could not have done this kind of thing twenty years ago, there simply was not the technology. “I would not have been able to edit in my bedroom and I would not have been able to afford a camera. Digital gives you more freedom as a director.

“When you only had film, that meant that every time the camera rolled you were spending money but with digital you can shoot as many times as you want.” Such sentiments are echoed by Victoria Johnson, Training and Development Manager at Northern Film Media, set up in the North East in 2002 to support film making in the region. She points to the way the Internet and associated technologies mean that talented film-makers are no longer reliant on major studios to make the breakthrough. Pointing to a series of small films, like Paranormal Activity, that made it big as word spread about them through social networking site Facebook, she said: “The new digital technology means that anyone can make a film and, having done that, making it a success is very much about viral promotion. Word spreads about films, a buzz is created and they get picked up.” Victoria also points to the popularity of mobile technologies such as I-players, all of which offer film-makers new areas into which their creations can be marketed. She said: “These are certainly exciting times for film-makers because of the increased accessibility and the new platforms available. Echoing the comments is Kate Crowther, Production Executive for Film Agency Wales, which helps film-makers in the country. She said: “Filmmaking is not as exclusive as it was. Young people do not need to invest big money in cameras and film stock. Instead, they can even make films on their mobiles. “The downside of that is the sheer volume out there but quality always rises to the top. The quality film-makers will be spotted. “In the meantime, because there are all these opportunities around, things like U-Tube, it means young people can learn the art of telling a story earlier than before and make all their mistakes that way.”

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The opportunities are certainly there but what do you do if you want to be become involved and make your own films? The first step is to approach one of the many organisations which operate around the country in order to support the sector. Each region has a film agency, dedicated to offering expert support and funding for some projects. One of those is Nottingham-based EM Media, which in 2006 launched its innovative East Midlands Media Investments (EMMI) fund with European Regional Development Fund money. A total of 27 feature film productions were co-financed through EMMI, including BAFTAwinners This Is England and Control. Last Autumn, a further £500,000 was provided by the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) to support the area’s film and media sector. Both EM Media and emda want to see more talented new film makers making their breakthroughs. Debbie Williams, Chief Executive EM Media, said: “EM Media has an enviable track record of investing in projects that have had a marked impact economically as well as culturally. “The East Midlands has earned an enviable reputation as the most significant film producing region in the UK without a major film studio, with 18% of all British films being made here in 2008. Additionally we are making significant strides in developing the games, TV and interactive industries.” Emma Corbett, Executive Director of Strategy and Communications at emda, said: “The film and media sector is important to the East Midlands, bringing in millions of pounds to the region. We want to see more businesses from this sector flourishing in the East Midlands, and this fund will enable that to happen.” By John Dean & Frances Griss DeanGriss@Btinternet.com

D NEW FILM MAKERS Clive Tonge, of Sedgefield, County Durham, the director of an animated adaptation of the Russian fairytale Babayaga.

Working with producer Siobhan Fenton, they produced Emily and the Babayaga, which appeared at international festivals, was screened in countries including Canada and Spain and secured a number of awards.

HOW DID yOU gEt StARtED IN FILM-MAKINg? I always had an interest in films but when I was young I much preferred music. I spent years writing and playing in bands. I studied a film course for a while but it didn’t really get me anywhere. As the rock ‘n roll dreams faded an opportunity did arise. I had always been a keen photographer and, because of my music biz contacts, got a couple of jobs videoing and photographing bands in the studio and/or playing live. I covered Shed Seven, 808 State, Elastica among others. The important thing in the music business was access. I had no training and learned on the job. The results were very hit and miss. Then, after a long period of unemployment I came to Teesside to study animation. I didn’t have a real flair for animation and I was nowhere near patient enough for it. But I did enjoy directing.

WHAt WAS yOUR FIRSt SIgNIFICANt bREAKtHROUgH? My real breakthrough was meeting Siobhan Fenton, my producer. We were both at a similar position - we wanted to use our skills to make a film. Siobhan raised some funds from the University and we decided to make a short animation together. She would produce, I would direct. The film took three years to complete and was a long and complicated journey. But we did it. Emily and the Baba Yaga played all over the world and won several awards. Since then I have made more animated shorts and live action films.

WHAt DO yOU ENJOy MOSt AbOUt MAKINg FILMS? The creative process. What I really enjoy the

SIObHAN FENtON

CLIVE tONgE

most is pre-production (or pre-pre-production) and production. Pre-production is the truly creative part. Coming up with ideas and styles and writing the script. Although this is the longest part of any film and can get very stressful it’s great to be working towards a finished script. Being on-set is a great feeling. Being part of a creative team all striving to get the best from each shot. The feeling of camaraderie is second to none.

WHAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHALLENgES WHEN It COMES tO MAKINg FILMS? The biggest challenge by far is figuring out just how its all going to come together. A film is a massive team effort and getting the right people at the right time for the right money is tough.

WHAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHANgES IN tECHNOLOgy tHAt HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE yOURSELF tO bECOME MORE HEAVILy INVOLVED IN FILMS? In a word - digital. We all have in our homes the technology to make film. Software and cameras are cheap and readily avaialble. Without computers there is no way on earth I could make any films at all.

WHAt IS yOUR AMbItION FOR yOUR FILM MAKINg CAREER? Millionaire Hollywood director of quality films with a mass market appeal. To entertain audiences. In the short-mid term I would like to direct a feature film.

WHAt tIP WOULD yOU gIVE tO ANyONE StARtINg OUt IN tHE

FILM bUSINESS? Persevere. The chances are I’ll never achieve my ambition but I have made my living, in part, from making films and entertaining people.

WHAt IS yOUR FAVOURItE FILM AND WHy? One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest. This film has it all. It is about the importance of being true to oneself and being an individual. There are, for me, many important life lessons in this film and, like life, is full of comedy and tragedy. And Jack Nicholson was never better.

IF yOU COULD WORK WItH ANy ACtOR OR ACtRESS IN tHE WORLD, WHO WOULD It bE? Hmmm. Never thought about this because I would choose them based on the part they would be playing. I do enjoy working with unknown actors and have never worked with a star. Sorry - I don’t have an answer to this.

For more information on the work of EM Media, visit www.em-media.org.uk Birmingham-based First Light, the UK’s leading initiative enabling young people to realise their potential via creative digital film and media projects, operates a number of funding schemes. More information is available at info@firstlightonline.co.uk More on the work Northern Film and Media can be found at www.northern media.org Information on the work of Film Agency Wales is available at www.filmagencywales.com

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E H t F O t R A E H E H At t t H g I R t P I R C S E H t g N I t t - gE By John Dean & Frances Griss DeanGriss@Btinternet.com

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three years ago, a group of writers from the North East of England decided to try their hand at film-making.

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film

“Instead, we concentrated on conveying our concept through images and I think we have all taken that idea back into our writing, perhaps becoming more aware of the visual element of our work.” For fellow group member Mike Watson, a prize-winning short story writer, one of the attractions was the creative process as ideas were discarded, improved and perfected.

By John Dean & Frances Griss deangriss@btinternet.com

He said: “Maybe the director of a film shoot could regard it as a work in progress because the actions of the director, actors or even the film crew, contribute to the finished article. “When we worked on the film, we learned the importance of the camera in the narrative. The camera has the ability to zoom or fade to set the scene, and to show the emotions or mood of a character in their expression and demeanour. “All of this can be achieved in a brief time as compared to the written story where all this could take pages or even chapters. Readers can dwell on the written word, can re-read or go back a few pages, but film watchers do not have this luxury.

Although primarily writers of novels and short stories, Darlington-based Inkerman Writers entered a national short-film competition run by BAFTA and communications company Orange. Supported by Northern Film and Media and Darlington Arts Centre, the group worked with local film-maker Clive Tonge to create Party Box, performing all the parts of a story in which a lonely man finds new friends in a mysterious box. The one-minute film won through to the regional shortlist, just missing out on qualification for the national final, but perhaps the greater impact was on the writers. Group member John Dean, a crime novelist by trade, said: “It was a real eye-opener for all of us, I think. Clive Tonge worked in a way that was different to us. “For instance, the writers had a planning session when we pared our dialogue down to only three lines. We were very proud of the discipline that we showed but when we met Clive for the storyboarding session, he told us that was three lines too many because we only had a minute to play with.

“The impact needs to be ongoing in the sense of hooking the viewers’ eyes to ensure they keep watching. At the end of the process, what you are seeking is a visual impact on the audience.” John Dean said: “I think all the writers who took part thoroughly enjoyed the excitement of seeing the film come together. When we did the filming, there was a terrific atmosphere and seeing the film then assume a life of its own when posted on the competition website was a terrific experience.“ For professional scriptwriter Michael Chaplin, the key to success lies in determination. He said: “There will inevitably be times when you feel the game isn’t worth the playing - especially if, like some fledgling writers, you have difficulty in getting industry professionals just to read your work, let alone take it up - but you must keep believing. In other words, starting out as a writer is as much a test of character as talent.” He is encouraged by the increasing amount of support available to help independent filmmakers and scriptwriters. Michael said: “There’s now more interest in new writing - exemplified by all the various schemes designed to encourage raw talent than there has ever been. As the man said, there is no more powerful force than an idea whose time has come.”

So, how do you take advantage of that time and write a winning film script? Bear in mind the following: • Read plenty of scripts and see how the experts do it - get used to how the script looks on the page. Then watch the film itself and see how the script translated when filming actually began. • About half of the content of a screenplay should be dialogue and the other half should be visual. • Keep camera directions to a minimum. Let the filmmakers decide how to film the script. • Action is important because you need to keep the story moving. • Keep the story well paced generally, one screenplay page is one minute of screen time. • Develop true-to-life characters. Know their history and why they react to events the way they do. And keep it consistent: if they are aged fifty in one scene make sure you do not have them celebrating their sixtieth birthday in the next unless it is part of the plot. • If it helps, focus on a few key details that tell us what kind of person your character is. Maybe the person cannot wear a tie smartly, maybe their clothes are always grubby, maybe they never look anyone in the face. And when you write your scene, ask yourself if your character would really react like that? • Before you write your script, write a list of scenes you want to include and what happens in each one. That way you can make sure your story develops in the right way. • And finally, keep the balance right: you don’t want the first half of the film to be all dialogue, followed by 45 minutes of car chases.

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CELEbRAtINg tHE bESt OF yOUNg FILM-MAKINg tALENt AL!!

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By John Dean & Frances Griss DeanGriss@Btinternet.com

initiative for g in ak m m fil lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ci un Co lm Fi UK e First Light is th e organisation th ar ye ch ea d an 19 to 5 ed ag le young peop talents of e tiv ea cr e th e at br le ce to t en ev holds an awards its projects. in ed lv vo in en be ve ha at th le op pe the young

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HOW tO SECURE tHAt ALL IMPORtANt JOb IN tHE MOVIES Making your own film is not the only way to break into the industry, another route is to secure a job with a filmmaking company. Seventy per cent of jobs in the industry are filled through word of mouth and anyone trying to break in needs to ensure they have prepared properly. You will need to: • Research the media industry and obtain a good understanding of the job roles you are interested in • Find out about career paths and check if you need any specific qualifications This year’s awards (the eighth) event will take place at The ODEON Leicester Square, London on Tuesday 2 March.

Danny Boyle said: “First Light is such a great initiative and will help young people to tell their own stories how they want to tell them.”

Known as the mini Oscars, the ceremony is attended by a mix of film industry luminaries and celebrities who present the young people with awards across various categories, including Best Comedy, Best Screenplay, Best Film by Under 12s and Best Film by 13s and over.

Hosts his year are BBC TV’s Dick and Dom and supporters include the UK Film Council, The Broccoli Foundation, PRS for Music, Eon Productions, Sony, Time Warner, HBO, Independent Talent, Mediabox, Film Club, BAFTA, Odeon, The Pinewood Studios Group and Lemmi.

Once again, the films this year have been judged by well known film and television personalities such as Sam Mendes, Joseph Fiennes, Sir Alan Parker and Maxine Peake.

This year’s event includes a newly-created Open category, in association with BAFTA, for short films of any theme or genre. The films will be shortlisted by BAFTA members and three best entries will be seen on the First Light website - www.firstlightonline.co.uk - at the end of February. The competition will then be opened up to the general public, which will be asked to vote for its favourite film.

Last year’s event was attended by Sienna Miller, Danny Boyle, Martin Sheen, Russell Tovey and Jason Isaacs amongst others who all presented the young people with their awards.

“First Light is such a great initiative and will help young people to tell their own stories how they want to tell them.” DANNy bOyLE

• Be passionate about the kind of programmes on which you want to work • Demonstrate your commitment through the activities and projects you do in your spare time • Target companies where there is a genuine match between their needs and the skills you can offer • Tailor your CV to suit the companies you are interested in and think carefully about what to include in your covering letter. Many young people begin their media careers as ‘runners‘. It is an entrylevel position, so you don’t usually need any specific training, just energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to work. The job is often a combination of waiter, cleaner, handyman and messenger but being a runner gives you a chance to see how the business operates. Victoria Johnson, of Northern Film and Media, said: “There are opportunities but it is very competitive. Because seventy per cent of jobs within the industry go through word of mouth a lot of people do unpaid voluntary work, or do shadowing of people in the industry, so that they become known. But there are definitely lots of opportunities once they are in.”

More information can be obtained from www.skillset.org Source Northern Film and Media

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DALE CORLEtt FILMDIRECtOR

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Director - glasgow Media Access Centre WHAt DO yOU ENjOy MOSt AbOUt MAKINg FILMS? W

I love the opportunity making films gives me to explore the full of range of emotions, to tell stories that are important and that challenge me and my audiences. I also love the fact that I get to live and explore another life when I am immersed within a film project.

W WHAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHALLENgES WHEN It COMES tO MAKINg FILMS?

Obviously film-making is full of physical, financial and logistical challenges and obstacles along the way. But to me, these are not too problematic, the biggest challenge in film making today is being original. Original in both your ideas and the way in which you tell your stories. The film world is becoming more and more homogenized and finding new interesting voices and ways in which to tell stories I think remains one of all of our biggest challenges.

W WHAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHANgES IN tECHNOLOgy ttHAt HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE LIKE yOURSELF tO bECOME MORE HEAVILy INVOLVED IN FILMS? b

HOW DID yOU gEt E StARtED IN FILM-MAKINg? Et FILM MAKINg?

I’m originally from New Zealand where as a young person I was involved in youth-related arts activities like youth theatre and youth film projects (New Zealand’s equivalent to the UK’s First Light) and then went on and trained as an actor. Following working as a professional actor in New Zealand for a number of years on film and TV sets, I moved into directing for both the stage and screen. For my first film project, I adapted a stage play that was written by a friend of mine into a 45-minute television drama. This was a real baptism of fire but was probably one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I’ve ever had on set. Six 18-hour days of absolute madness.

WHAt WAS yOUR FIRSt SIgNIFICANt bREAKtHROUgH?

I’m not sure I’ve had what would be called a significant breakthrough – just lots of small steps along the way. Receiving funding from the film commission in NZ for my first ‘commissioned short film’ called Nightfall, certainly felt significant at the time. Obviously, being nominated for a Scottish BAFTA New Talent Award last year and having my debut feature film chosen for Official Competition at last year’s Edinburgh International Film Festival are breakthroughs of sorts, but I think the most significant step for me was working with a lot of inspirational and supportive people when I was young. These directors, producers and tutors helped shape and develop me into the film director I am today.

The biggest change in technology has obviously been the development of digital cameras and the accessibility of nonlinear edit suites. When I started it was still film-based, so the big difference for me has been the ability to gain ‘hands on’ experience of things like camera operation and editing. This access has also allowed me to experiment more with my style and process and to regularly try things out. The fact that equipment is now coming down in price as well means more people with a wider range of voices should be able to make their mark in the industry Something we need.

WHAt IS yOUR AMbItION FOR yOUR FILM MAKINg CAREER?

To be happy telling important stories that challenge, provoke and move us as an audience.

WHAt tIP WOULD yOU gIVE tO ANyONE StARtINg OUt IN tHE FILM bUSINESS?

If you are in it for the fame and money, get out now! My biggest tip would be build good, honest relationships with the people you are working with. And always challenge yourself and go beyond your comfort zone with your work.

WHAt IS yOUR FAVOURItE FILM AND WHy?

Araggh!!! I hate that question – I can never answer it… Okay, my favorite film today is one I saw at the Mannheim film festival in November last year. A beautifully sad Finish film called Letters to Father Jacob – if there is any justice in the world it will win the Best Foreign Film at this year’s Oscars.

IF yOU COULD WORK WItH ANy ACtOR OR ACtRESS IN tHE WORLD, WHO WOULD It bE? Sean Penn – he’s the man.

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N I E S S U O H E E L y R E SH OF SWINDON...

has been interested in making films since she was at school. The first role she took on was as a sound recordist. After winning two First Light Movies Awards in 2006 and 2009, she started working as a Freelance Sound Recordist. She also coordinates a young person’s film group in Swindon called YourFilm, which is supported by Create Studios. She has just been successful in receiving a pilot grant from First Light Movies to make a film with her Brownies, which is currently in preproduction and about to start production in the next few weeks.

HOW DID yOU gEt StARtED IN FILM-MAKINg? The first film I made was an animation, I was 12 and Create Studios, Swindon came to my school to offer a short film course to a group of my friends. The film went on to win a Michael of Kent award for best road safety film! Since then I was bitten by the filmmaking bug and went on to make even more films with help from Create Studios, Ideal Films and First Light Movies

WHAt WAS yOUR FIRSt SIgNIFICANt bREAKtHROUgH? Winning my First proper award for a film ‘Icehouse’. It went on to win best Thriller at the First Light Movies awards in 2006. Konnie Huq presented the ceremony and Anthony Minghella handed me the award! It was the most prestigious ceremony I had ever been to, there were so many celebrities! Myself and 2 others who also made the film were whisked of to a press pen with the stars and interviewed by all sorts of people. It was then I realised that people really liked a film that I made. And it wasn’t just my mum saying it was good!

WHAt DO yOU ENJOy MOSt AbOUt MAKINg FILMS? Getting to meet such a range of people on different productions, and when people watch films you have worked really hard on, and they enjoy them.

WHAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHALLENgES WHEN It COMES tO MAKINg FILMS? The long days! In Rite of Passage, a film about a cult, the crew decided that we would shoot the whole thing at nighttime, we shot from 4pm – 4am. On a Farm! The whole crew went to work or college the next day. We were all shattered.

WHAt HAt ARE tHE bIggESt CHANgES IN tECHNOLOgy tHAt HAVE ALLOWED PEOPLE yOURSELF tO bECOME MORE HEAVILy INVOLVED IN FILMS? The Internet. And websites like YouTube or Vimeo, making it easy for young people to make films, and then distribute them at cost for other people to see. It’s a great way for young people to see what the competition is, but also to get help and advise from their peers.

WHAt IS yOUR AMbItION FOR yOUR FILM MAKINg CAREER? First step… to attend a course on sound recording on location and then finally to write and produce my own feature film!

WHAt tIP WOULD yOU gIVE tO ANyONE StARtINg OUt IN tHE FILM bUSINESS? Be prepared to work hard for what you want, volunteer as much as you can and network lots.

WHAt IS yOUR FAVORItE FILM AND WHy? Ekk! Ummm just one? Amélie… I love the quirky narration in the film, and the colours and style of the film is beautiful… and it has Audrey Tautou in it!

IF yOU COULD WORK WItH ANy ACtOR OR ACtRESS IN tHE WORLD, WHO WOULD It bE? Keira Knightley, she has a beautiful look about her, She’s a great actress, and British!

www.w2gomagazine.co.uk

… E M I T O C I H C IT’S “My life’s ambition has always been about more then just the fame game and thanks to the X Factor I was given a platform from which I could really do some good and hopefully help make a difference in the world.”

www.w2gomagazine.co.uk

…

From a farm in Morocco to the x Factor, from the slums of Cambodia and to pantomime in Darlington Chico has led one of the most intriguing lives in showbiz history. Here, we discover the more serious side of the entertainer success and finds out why now really is Chico Time….

I could really do some good and hopefully help make a difference in the world.” As well as working hard on his charity and enjoying the joys of fatherhood with his daughter Lalla-Khira, Chico has continued to perform and started work on a new solo album. He’s even found time to keep up with the latest X Factor show.

Chico (real name Youseff Slimani) first burst onto the scene back in 2005, when he made it through to the live finals of ITV talent show, The X Factor. The all-round entertainer, then aged 34, proved popular with the public and was even able to win over initially sceptical judge, Simon Cowell, before being voted off in the third to last episode.

“The standard of the singing on the latest series of X Factor has been incredible,” he said. “I wasn’t sure if there was any stand out performer for me, but I have great respect for the younger contestants for getting up there week after week. I entered the show when I was 34 and it was hard, so they must really find the emotional rollercoaster it brings, difficult to deal with.”

The series was eventually won by Manchestersinger, Shayne Ward, but Chico says he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. “The X Factor was an amazing experience for me,” he said. “Although it was difficult standing up there and taking criticism week after week, it all helped to make me the person I am today and I can honestly say I wouldn’t be doing half of the things I’m doing now if it wasn’t for my time on the show.” Chico’s path to stardom was a rather unorthodox one and has seen him take a whole host of detours in pursuit of his dream to perform. Originally born in Wales, he spent much of his childhood living with his grandparents on a small farm in Morocco, where he famously learned to herd goats.

Asked what he learnt from his time on the show and his subsequent charity work, Chico says he’s now adopted a simple motto in life – “never be afraid of giving.”

way to being the person I’d always wanted to be.”

When he returned to England, aged 13, Chico could barely speak a word of English, but was determined to build a life for himself here in the UK and learned the language from scratch. Growing up, he followed a number of career paths, training as a hairdresser, mechanical engineer and electrical engineer, before joining a dance troupe to help raise money for his grandmother back in Morocco who was ill at the time. It was here, that Chico rediscovered his love for entertaining which eventually led him to the X Factor stage. “I’d always been a hyperactive youngster and performing was all I really ever wanted to do,” he said. “Like most people, my life has taken me on a number of different twists and turns, but once I joined The X Factor, everything changed for me and it felt I was finally on my

Since leaving the X Factor, Chico’s journey has taken him in yet another new direction, not only hosting and performing at events around the world, but also heading up his own charity. The Rainbow Child Foundation, so named in honour of his wife Danijela whose spiritual name is Rainbow, raises money to help underprivileged children around the world. In 2008, the charity opened a second orphanage in Cambodia and Chico now hopes to undertake similar activities in South Africa in 2009 and India in 2010. “The fame I got from the X Factor was a real bonus for me” said Chico, “not because I was recognised in the street or got to sing for large audiences, but because it gave me the chance to really give something back. “My life’s ambition has always been about more then just the fame game and thanks to the X Factor I was given a platform from which

ow Child Foundation visit For more information about The Rainb

“If my experiences have taught me one thing,” he says, “it’s that kindness will always be rewarded. The more you give, the more you will receive, so never be afraid to take a chance and put someone else first, it’ll all come back to you ten-fold one way or another.” Chico brought this new-found philosophy to Darlington during the Christmas and New Year period when he took to the stage in the leadrole of Darlington Civic’s pantomime, Aladdin, a role the entertainer feels he was simply born to play. “I think Aladdin and I have an awful lot in common,” he said. “Like me Aladdin wasn’t from the richest background and didn’t have the most simple of lives. But we both had a dream we were determined to follow no matter how impossible it seemed. “I reached my dream when I founded my charity and knocked Madonna off the top of the charts with Chico Time back in 2006. Aladdin achieves his, when he finds his princess, which was a great experience bringing that to life in Darlington this over the holiday period”

www.rainbowchildfoundation.co.uk

WWW.W2gOMAgAzINE.CO.UK

www.way2gomagazine.co.uk

n EDUCATION n CAREERS n LIFESTYLE

ARE yOU LOOKINg tO StARt yOUR OWN bUSINESS bUt DON’t KNOW WHERE tO bEgIN? then look no further than Durham County Council’s Regeneration and Economic Development team who can provide a range of support services to help you on the path to self employment. A team of coaches and advisors are on hand to offer advice, support and guidance to anyone wishing to fulfil their ambition of running their own business. Support can be given with developing business plans, marketing strategies as well as access to funding towards start up costs. If you are ready to take on premises then the state of the art Tanfield Lea Business Centre provides modern business floor space targeted at both new and existing businesses as well as access to tailored support and grant assistance. The centre, which has been awarded a ‘Very Good’ BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) status, uses advances in technology to provide a greener environment for tenants with the inclusion of solar panelling and natural air ventilation.

FACILItIES At tHE CENtRE INCLUDE: n 3 floors of modern office space including a communal atrium

with kitchen facilities n 41 office units ranging in size from over

100 to over 1000 sq ft n Fully equipped conference and meeting

rooms for hire n Manned reception providing a wide

Interest in this iconic building has been very encouraging, with enquiries for modern office accommodation being received from businesses across the many sectors throughout the North East. Ross Bullerwell, of Durham County Council, said “This new centre represents the commitment of Durham County Council to the continued range of support services available to businesses and particularly to the development and growth of young entrepreneurs”. For those who are already in business and are looking to expand, there are financial incentives available to help kick start a move into larger premises. Grants can be used to contribute towards relevant capital costs which may include overheads, marketing campaigns and improvements to ICT.

range of office services n Telephony and Broadband connectivity n Free car parking facilities n 24 hour access to individual office units n Excellent location in close proximity to the A6706, direct link

The £6.8million Tanfield Lea Business Centre has been made possible with funding from the Council, One North East, County Durham Economic Partnership (CDEP) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). *Terms and conditions apply. Contact for details.

road to Gateshead and Newcastle.

FOR MORE INFORMAtION CONtACt ANDREA MCgUIgAN ON 01207 218219

OR VISIt WWW.tANFIELDLEAbUSINESSCENtRE.COM

WWW.tANFIELDLEAbUSINESSCENtRE.COM

Tanfield Lea

Business Centre inspiring business space

Durham’s New £6.8m Office Development

Now Open To be inspired call (01207) 218219 e-mail: andrea.mcguigan@durham.gov.uk web: www.tanﬁeldleabusinesscentre.com

NEW ENtERPRISE I thanks to the European Commission and Newcastle City Council over a thousand young people across the city of Newcastle will benefit from enterprise focused investment in their future.

As part of the new £3.5 million Newcastle Enterprise Package over 1,000 young people from schools and youth groups across the city will access FREE programmes aimed at increasing their business skills and knowledge of enterprise. Helping young people to move into a position where they would seriously consider self employment the programmes delivered by RTC North will offer a wide Pick and Mix range of enterprise activity. Delivered in schools or working with youth groups, sessions will be offered as interactive lessons, half day workshops or full day activity programmes. Available sessions include:

n n n n n n n n n n

Creative thinking and problem solving Idea generation Introduction to business/social enterprise Decision making Entrepreneur case studies and mentoring support Business planning Financial awareness Marketing awareness VVirtual business simulation experience Signposting to regional support and other providers of enterprise education

Working closely with RTC North as part of the Enterprise Package programme Walker Technology College will kick off a series of enterprise activities for young people and CPD opportunities for staff from November 09. With Year 10 students currently working on an enterprise project culminating in Enterprise Week Joanne Lulham from Walker college said:

“At WALKER tECHNOLOgy COLLEgE, WE gREAtLy APPRECIAtE tHE SUPPORt PROVIDED by RtC, tHE StAFF HAVE bEEN FANtAStIC. RtC HAVE CREAtED RESOURCES WHICH ARE RELEVANt AND APPROPRIAtE tO tHE StUDENtS NEEDS. RtC’S INVOLVEMENt WILL gREAtLy ENHANCE tHE DELIVERy OF tHE CURRICULUM AND tHUS FURtHER tHE StUDENtS LEVEL OF UNDERStANDINg.” *FREE depending on eligible post code

WWW.RtCNORtH-EDUCAtION.ORg.UK

E IN NEWCAStLE ! To compliment the enterprise activities delivered to young people in Newcastle, FREE CPD training for staff is also available. Targeting key influencers of enterprise across the city, idea generation and business simulation sessions will be offered to youth workers, teachers, volunteers and advisers working with young people. With training already delivered to Connexions advisers and KeyFund facilitators across Newcastle Janine Marshall from RTC North commented:

“WE ARE CURRENtLy ENtERINg A REALLy ExCItINg PERIOD OF ENtERPRISE LEARNINg FOR yOUNg PEOPLE IN OUR REgION. by WORKINg WItH KEy INFLUENCERS AND ADVISERS OF tHESE gROUPS WE WILL ENSURE tHAt ENtERPRISE LEARNINg WILL bECOME EMbEDDED AND SUStAINAbLE. WE ARE PLANNINg tO REACH OVER ONE tHOUSAND yOUNg PEOPLE ACROSS NEWCAStLE AND RECOgNISE tHE “tRAIN tHE tRAINERS” WORKSHOPS ARE CRUCIAL tO tHE SUCCESS OF tHIS INItIAtIVE.” The two part training programme for staff aims to increase knowledge of entrepreneurship by offering a one day business simulation workshop complemented by a suite of three half day thematic workshops. The Business simulation process is a valuable element of the support package offering participants the opportunity to run their own virtual business. Supported by business planning, sourcing finance and marketing sessions Influencers will be better placed to help young people develop their skills for running a venture.

T: 0191 5164400 E: enquiries@rtcnorth.co.uk W: www.rtcnorth-education.org.uk RTC North is a trusted delivery partner of business support, innovation and enterprise programmes on behalf of regional development agencies, the European Commission, local authorities and central government.

WWW.RtCNORtH-EDUCAtION.ORg.UK

Apprenticeships

We would like to invite applications to join our Apprenticeship programme starting in September 2010. This is an exciting opportunity for the Engineers of tomorrow and is ideally suited to school leaver’s who have achieved or expect to achieve GCSE Grades of ‘C’ or higher in Mathematics, Science and English and who are less than 19 years of age on 6th September 2010.

www.rrnetc.co.uk

in engineering

rolls-royce north east training centre is a major force in engineering training, achieving the highest natioinal Vocational and Academic standards whAt you get

Apply to:

First year training in our own cenre to NVA Level 2 Further Educational qualifications Keys Skills up to Level 2 Excellent employment opportunities within the Engineering sector n NVQ Level 3 in your specialist field n Fully certified apprenticeships

Rolls-Royce Newcastle, Scotswood Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 6LL

n n n n

Contact Marian Morgan Telephone 0191 2565385 Fax 0191 256376 Email apprenticeships@michellbearings.co.uk

We are an equal opportunities company, strongly committed to its promotion

www.rrnetc.co.uk

North East Training Centre

N R A E L U O Y S A N R EA

or college this year? Are you about to leave school g whether to Not sure what to do next? Wonderin b and start earning continue studying or get a jo can have the best of some cash? Ever thought you the two and sign up both worlds? Why not combine ? for an apprenticeship scheme PD Ports is an award winning ports and logistics business based in North East England. Although many will not even know what happens at a port, countless products that pass through the Port’s gates will be used in your daily life. Everything from DVD’s to clothes, mobile phones, mp3 players, cars, make-up, plasma TV’s and game consoles all arrive on ships and are then transported to retailers on the high street. PD Ports offers a variety of apprenticeship programmes and to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, we would like to share with you the opportunities available at PD Ports for young people. Established in 2001, PD Ports has been running a successful apprenticeship programme at Teesport in Middlesbrough in partnership with Teesside based training provider, NETA Training Group. The four year scheme comprises of one year acquiring basic core engineering skills

and theory skills with NETA Training Group, followed by three years working alongside a tradesman mentor. The apprentice’s mentor is vital in the sharing of knowledge and handover of expertise, crucial to the skills development of the apprentice. At the end of the four year programme, each apprentice is qualified to HNC (High National Certificate) level. Two of the apprentices who have successfully completed the programme will shortly be starting Company sponsored degree courses with local universities. Since the tailored training programme began some eight years ago, PD Ports has successfully led 24 young people through their apprenticeships with a further two apprentices currently in the NETA training centre and due to join PD Ports in June 2010. Russ McCallion, PD Ports’ group HR director, said: “We are delighted to see the success of our training of young people coming to fruition. It is crucial as our

more senior tradesmen retire, that we have competent young apprentices eager to learn a trade at the Port and take the reins. Increasingly, employers are seeking skilled technician staff with a trade and good educational achievements, rather than simply a traditional degree, and for PD Ports the answer is through tailored apprenticeships. We are especially pleased with our continuing and highly successful collaboration with NETA Training Group, both in apprentice training and in a range of other training activities.”

If you are interested in an apprenticeship with PD Ports or if you are interested in what we have to offer, drop us a line on 01642 877200 or send an email to Kirsten Potter, PR and Communications Manager at kirsten.potter@pdports.co.uk You can also read more about us and what we do by logging on to our website at www.pdports.co.uk

www.pdports.co.uk

NORTHWEST

Digital & Creative Industries As the ‘wow-factor’ goes, a career in the Digital & Creative Industries won’t disappoint. England’s Northwest is internationally recognised as a hub of creative talent, with an incredible amount to offer those who wish to pursue a career in this exciting industry. There are no hard or fast rules when it comes to training, however the right personality and tons of enthusiasm can get you a head start. It is a very competitive environment and to get ahead you ave to be willing to work hard with 100% commitment - Whether you want to work behind-the-scenes, in front-of-camera or in the expanding world of digital or interactive platforms, there’s a lot that you can do to improve your chances of success. In terms of creative buzz, few careers provide the same job satisfaction as those in the media and if you’ve got what it takes, the rewards can be great. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many people who now have a dream job were once in your position. A bit of timely research might just give you the kick-start you need. For training, advice and all the latest recruitment news visit www.skillset. org - Skillset is the UK’s Audio Visual Industries Sector Skills Council, covering areas such as broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging – they can help with the different jobs that are available and the career routes open to you. Skillset Careers offers essential careers advice for working in the creative media industries. If you’re looking for an exciting career in the media industry, Skillset Careers can help you discover what you’ll need to know to get ahead. Here’s what you can find on www.skillset.org/careers: • Storyboard guides - Find out how a TV programme, computer game or film gets made and who is involved in each stage, from the initial idea to the finished product • Job profiles - This tells you exactly what a Grip, 2nd Assistant Director, Inbetweener and hundreds of other roles involve • Case studies - Real people reveal how they got their dream job • Fact sheets - How to write a media CV and what to look for when choosing a course or employer

Media Production Apprenticeship Some of the biggest names in TV have come together once again to offer thirty-six, 16-22-year-olds a unique opportunity to break into the business, after the continued success of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production - the only one of its kind anywhere in the UK. The 18-month Programme will begin in September 2009 and will run until March 2011, with each apprentice receiving training and all the experience needed to kick-start their career in the industry. In addition, participants will be able to gain two Level 3 qualifications while training. Companies including the BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures, Channel M and Sumners will again join forces alongside smaller companies such as Channel K, Shine North and Bellyfeel to back the Advanced Apprenticeships, giving young people the chance to work behind the scenes of the broadcasting industry. The Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production is open to 16-22-year-olds, living in the Northwest, and is designed specifically for people who wouldn’t usually get the chance to break into broadcasting.

For more information contact Saskiam@skillset.org

• Glossaries - A jargon-busting guides to make sure you know your Bolex from your Barney

www.skillset.org

gEttINg DIgItAL & CREAtIVE IN ENgLAND’S NORtHWESt Being in the Northwest region holds a great range of opportunities to get started - The Northwest has a habit of producing outstanding creative talent and thrives on being at the cutting edge of this ever expanding industry. The many film, TV and post-production companies that call the Northwest their home are supported by technical organisations of the highest calibre and backed up by world class training facilities such as the International Centre for Digital Content (ICDC) in Liverpool and the University of Salford. Impressively, the Northwest’s Digital and Creative sector is the second largest in Europe. It boasts some 31,000 businesses and employs around 321,000 people. From TV production to animation; website design to e-commerce; advertising to multimedia communications, the creative industries in the north west of England are thriving. The sector is growing faster than the economy as a whole, and is worth around £15.8 billion per year.

Students at the 18 universities within an hour’s drive of Manchester can choose from nearly 300 media-related courses, while the same geographic area offers nearly 15,000 students studying computer science subjects. Salford University offers courses in radio and TV performance, animation, media technology, computer and video games.Local production companies such as Red Productions, Lime Pictures and All Out have received international acclaim and they are joined by a number of well-known national media names such as the BBC, ITV Granada, Guardian Media Group, and Trinity Mirror. Computer games are also on of the region’s major strengths. The Northwest, particularly Liverpool, has played an important role in the development of the UK games industry. Computer games giant Sony Computer Entertainment is based in Liverpool, alongside Cheshire-based Evolution Studios and the Warner Brothers owned Traveller’s Tales.

MEDIA CIty UK

As well as being the new home to the 5 bbC departments, MediaCityUK is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs with opportunities available across the media industry. It’s an exciting time for those wishing to enter the Digital and Creative world - MediaCityUK is Europe’s first purpose-built business hub for the creative and media industries. It is a new, exciting and innovative complex designed to bring together companies from across the sector and to establish an international centre for excellence in the digital media and creative industries.

The first five in this list will be relocating staff from their current base in London will include, BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Future Media and Technology, BBC Children’s (including CBeebies and CBBC channels), BBC Formal Learning and BBC local, regional and network broadcasting, which is currently based in the centre of Manchester.

WWW.MEDIACItyUK.CO.UK

hs t a M and Science – see where they can take you!

Discover some of the exciting careers you can do in the Northwest by studying A-level Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths are the cornerstones of a productive nation and can affect everything we do in our daily lives. They form the basis for many careers and industries and can be fascinating in their own right.

Choose Technology

Choose ICT

• Technology gives you the skills to understand of economic, industrial and environmental issues within industry and business

• ICT skills let you understand and apply skills purposefully in learning, everyday life and employment

The future of the region’s productivity lies heavily on young people choosing to stick with these exciting subjects, which are often referred to as STEM subjects. STEM subjects have the ability to improve the quality of people’s everyday lives and find solutions to global challenges, such as sustainable economic development.

• Technology opens the door for careers in engineering – automotive, forensic, aerospace environmental… the list is truly endless.

Choose Science • Science can allow you to discover howideas contribute to technological change – affecting industry, business and the environment • Science is far more diverse than the traditional Chemistry, Physics and Biology subjects.

• ICT presents numerous career opportunities that are fast-moving, full of variety, interesting and rewarding.

Interested? Choose Maths • Maths is important for all members of a modern society, for its use in the workplace, business and finance • Maths is the basic tool for understanding economics • Maths is essential for participation in the knowledge economy • Maths gives you the ability to work on problems and in contexts beyond the school gates.

www.FutureMorph.org

Visit www.FutureMorph.org to view just how exciting and rewarding studying technology, engineering or maths beyond the age of 16 can be. It isn’t just a one track road to becoming a scientist or engineer – the skills and knowledge you gain are valuable in almost any career and will make you very employable.

SKILLS NW

get inspired at Skills North West, the skills and careers event for 14-19 year olds.

COME ALONg AND Skills North West will help you find out about training, enterprise and careers in a fun and interactive way. If you’re aged 14 to 19 it is the one place you’ll find everything you need to know about the career you want when you start work. With activities planned to help you try out your future you’ll be able to find out about hair and beauty careers getting your nails painted, construction and engineering careers building your future by designing a bridge and hospitality opportunities cooking up a storm with ready steady cook.

• You can have a go at skills from advertising to zoology • Talk to real people doing real jobs • Find out about training and job opportunities There will also be competitions, stage performances, expert advice clinics and much, much more. To find out more or to book your place visit www.skillsnw.co.uk See you there, it’s free and it’s on 9, 10 & 11 February 2010 at 9.30 am until 3 pm.

WWW.SKILLSNW.CO.UK

E C I t N E R P P A E H t g bEIN

k, which this ee W p hi es ic nt re pp A h to coincide wit uary, apprentice br Fe h 5t to t 1s om fr year runs ire talks to sh he C h, ic w th or N om Nathan Wright, 19, fr at leading photob jo s hi t ou ab t es w th Chemicals Nor imited, and L gy lo no ch te N A M R A H imaging company, prentice. ap an e m co be to m hi what inspired

WWW.CHEMICALSNORtHWESt.ORg.UK

“I’m now over halfway through the four-year course and I’m really enjoying it. HARMAN’s a great place to train as an electrical engineer because the plant here at Mobberley is a high-tech, fully automated facility”

My JOb I started my electrical engineering apprenticeship with HARMAN technology in 2006 just after I’d left school. I remember how pleased I was to get a place; the selection process had been pretty tough and there were only two places up for grabs so getting the job felt like a major achievement. I’m now over halfway through the fouryear course and I’m really enjoying it. HARMAN’s a great place to train as an electrical engineer because the plant here at Mobberley is a high-tech, fully automated facility. There’s a central, state-of-the-art process control system that runs the plant processes and it’s the electrical engineers’ job to maintain this system and ensure that the technical capability of the plant is as it should be at all times. One of the best things about my job is the variety of tasks that I get involved in. On a typical day I might be dealing with small jobs like installing control systems or repairs and faultfinding, or I might be asked to provide support on larger, more complex projects, like recently when we had to replace all of the pump panels in one part of the site.

WHAt tO StUDy I knew at school that I wanted to go into a career in electrical engineering so I got some career advice from my local Connexions Service on which GCSE subjects would help me get to where I wanted to be. This led me to choose subjects like Manufacturing (Double Award), Physics and Maths. I’ve continued my studies as part of my apprenticeship and I attend college as a day release student one day a week. Since starting my course, I’ve completed an NVQ Level 2, an NVQ Level 3 (which I finished nine months early) and a BTEC in Electrical Engineering. These are all work-based learning qualifications that support the skills

that I’m already gaining in the workplace. At the moment, I’m waiting to receive my certificates and then I’ll be officially qualified. In the meantime, because I’m on what’s called a Higher Apprenticeship, I’m also studying for a foundation degree in Electrical Engineering, validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. Once I’ve got this under my belt, I can go on to study for a full degree which is what I’m aiming to do in the long term. Studying at college has also encouraged me to learn a lot about the photo-imaging business and the products that HARMAN manufactures. In one project, I put together a case study on the history of the company, its products and its strategy. HARMAN has a long history in the British photographic industry through its roots in ILFORD PHOTO but many people today don’t realise that the company is still leading the way in terms of photo-imaging.

tHE FUtURE I’m guaranteed a job at HARMAN when I finish my apprenticeship next year. Knowing I’d have a job at the end of my apprenticeship was the main reason I opted to go down this route in the first place. I didn’t want to go on to college or university and then be faced with the uncertainty of whether or not I’d find a job. Starting my career as an apprentice feels like I get the best of both worlds; I get to study for a further qualification and at the same time, I’m in a job and earning money – an apprenticeship was definitely the right choice for me!

AbOUt HARMAN tECHNOLOgy LIMItED HARMAN technology Limited is a pioneering professional imaging specialist which was formed in 2005 by six former managers of ILFORD Imaging UK Limited. The Company operates from facilities at Mobberley, Cheshire where ILFORD products have been designed and manufactured for many years, enabling us to continue making and selling the world famous ILFORD brand of black and white photographic products. The name HARMAN comes from Alfred Hugh Harman who founded the original ILFORD company in 1879. Today, the company continues the long history and commitment to producing quality and specialist products for the professional imaging industry. Nearly 400 people are employed at Mobberley, with technology and production capability up to full capacity. Eighty-five per cent of output is being exported, and global distribution channels are all open. In future developments the HARMAN brand will be applied to other aspects of the company’s business, such as thin-layer film and paper coating for the medical sector.

WWW.CHEMICALSNORtHWESt.ORg.UK

PROgRESSION INFORMAtION FOR LEARNERS IN LANCASHIRE.

will soon be available ts le ok bo n io at rm fo in w the ne sforum.co.uk to download. www.lanc

Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive Forum - New Booklets! The Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive Forum has produced two new booklets aimed at students in school and apprentices approaching the end of their level 3 qualification. It provides them with information about going on to further study from an Apprenticeship; usually without the burden of a burgeoning student loan! There are many reasons why a young person should choose an apprenticeship and then use it to progress into Higher Education when the apprenticeship is complete. Currently less than 5% of Advanced Apprentices continue into higher education.

However Apprenticeships give young people the chance to earn while they learn. But it’s not for everyone. An advanced apprenticeship is aimed at those young people who have an idea which career path they would like to pursue. It is also aimed at those who have acquired 4 or 5 A* to C grades in their GCSE’s. It ‘s not an easy option; if young people decide to take this route they will have to juggle working for an employer one day, then studying for a qualification at a college the next. Any young person taking this route will have determination to do well in the world of work, and won’t be afraid to commit

themselves to long term training and studying (one to five years!). One of the aims of the Lancashire Work Based Learning Executive (LWBLE) Forum in Lancashire is to promote progression into higher education through vocational and WBL and this starts in school. For more information contact: www.lancsforum.co.uk and follow 1419 Progression Opportunities there are case studies and the new information booklets will soon be available to download.

WWW.AIMHIgHER.AC.UK/LANCASHIRE

CAtHERINE HEyS AgE: 24

EMPLOyER: tHE NORtH LANCS tRAININg gROUP

Qualification: Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS) Catherine left Mount Carmel High School in Accrington with 6 GCSEs; she wanted to go onto study child care at the local college but was turned down as she didn’t achieve grade C in English; she was advised to start a travel and tourism course but this only lasted around 3 months as she knew it wasn’t what she wanted to do. For almost a year Catherine was in the NEET group (Not in Education Employment or Training) but then managed to start an apprenticeship through NLTG. After performing well in her apprenticeship Catherine found out about a job with the Training Company and has worked there since. Catherine has since found a real thirst for learning and has undertaken a number of qualifications; such as: Advanced Apprenticeships in Business Administration and Customer Service, Apprenticeship in Team Leading, various key skills, NVQ Assessor Award Unit A1 and the Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (PTLLS). She is now undertaking the Certificate in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS) and hopes, in the future, to move on to the Diploma in Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS).

JOSHUA P. LALgEE AgE 22 FROM bLACKPOOL EMPLOyER: bENEASt tRAININg

The PTTLS qualification is a single unit level 3/4 qualification that provides an introduction to teaching as a step towards licensed practitioner status; when Catherine left school she had no idea that one day she would be teaching. Currently she is a Training Officer for apprentices and because of her experiences at school and on leaving she is well equipped to offer advice and guidance to this group of young people.

When Joshua left school he had several GCSEs and A Levels under his belt and thought he knew what he wanted to do; he was going to university to study law. However, when Joshua was asked to help out in the family care home business he quickly discovered that he wanted to pursue a career in this field, but felt he wasn’t fully equipped with the skills to succeed. Joshua said: “The Apprenticeship really sharpened my skills and I felt better equipped to cope with the job, as I could immediately see the direct impact of my learning on my job and the people for whom I was responsible. Initially I was skeptical about doing an Apprenticeship, but the course has improved my future prospects.” Joshua’s positive experience encouraged him to continue with his training and he undertook a Level 4 Apprenticeship. In his new position as an assessor, he is now studying for his A1 assessor’s award, after which he hopes to go on to achieve his Professional Diploma in Education. Joshua now works at Beneast Training in Blackpool and has his own case load of apprentices: “Being familiar with Apprenticeships as a learner and employer I can see the benefits from both sides. It’s important for businesses to encourage training and development as it makes staff feel valued.” Joshua acts as a one to one tutor for the apprentices, he monitors their development throughout the Apprenticeship and he is always on hand if any issues or problems arise. Joshua is a very motivated learner and his quick progress has been a direct result of his enthusiasm and hard work, he is determined to be at the top of his game and wanted to gain the qualifications to match his experience; the Higher Level Apprenticeship has given him the confidence to go even further.

WWW.AIMHIgHER.AC.UK/LANCASHIRE

Hi Everyone, My name is Katy and I am delighted to be joining the team at W2g. I will be keeping you updated on my progress – highs and lows – throughout my student years. It would be great if you could get in touch with me through the production@distinctivepublishing.co.uk email address and we could look to feature your school or college on this page. Into the future - I will be interviewing people who have made the choice of further education and employment and who are working towards or have NAME... Katy Bennett completed their W2G aims of Live/Learn/Aspire/ LIVE... To be as happy as I can Achieve. Look forward to where the W2G journey will take me

LEARN...

Carmel RC Technology College, Darlington

ASPIRE...

Lawyer

ACHIEVE...

Katy

Watch This Space

Five minute profile OPtIONS tAKEN FOR 2010...

FAVOURItE FOOD...

FAVOURItE SUbJECt - HIStORy...

DREAM JOb...

History, French, Geography, Sociology, Food because of my interest in the way we have evolved through the ages and what we have achieved and what lies ahead in the future

FAVOURItE tEACHER... Mr Graham – Science

LASt bOOK yOU READ...

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer

Chocolate

Skydiving Instructor

WHAt’S ON yOUR IPOD ...

Greenday, Linkin Park, Muse, Paramore and Kings of Leon

IF yOU COULD bE ANyWHERE IN tHE WORLD...

It would be Rome with all the history and the culture to keep me happy for weeks

LASt FILM yOU WAtCHED... Alvin and the Chipmunks 2

LASt DVD yOU bOUgHt... Juno

tOP tV SHOW... Family Guy

FAVOURItE SPORt... Netball – Goal Attack

FAVOURItE SPORtS StAR... Fernando Torres

WWW.W2gOMAgAzINE.CO.UK

SCOTLAND

Thousands of people in Scotland have been helped on the road to jobs or university “We refurbished a degree courses library, got involved after gaining a in sports coaching Higher National and helped at an qualification. anage”

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qUALIFICAtIONS FOR tHE REAL WORLD HN qUALIFICAtIONS HN qualifications have played a unique part in Scottish life since they were first introduced over 80 years ago – and there’s no doubt they continue to do so. These distinctly Scottish awards benefit both employers and individuals and, as a result, the country as whole. As a learner, HNs can offer you: n new vocational skills n practical qualifications n expert training n employment openings n potential university entrance

For further information please visit www.hninfo.org.uk

Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) can help individuals change jobs, improve career prospects or act as a stepping stone to further study. There are 249 HN courses covering subject areas from the more traditional - accounting, business administration, childcare, computing, engineering, hospitality – to the newer – creative industries, paralegal, sports and leisure. You are sure to find something that suits YOU. There are courses that can be undertaken on a full-time basis or part-time and others through day-release or evening classes. For Ashley McFarlane, an HN gave her the skills to help her on the road to success.

During her course, Ashley was selected to visit Malawi, where the College has links to several colleges. “We refurbished a library, got involved in sports coaching and helped at an orphanage”. Ashley filmed it all to highlight Malawi’s problems – her film was shown at the Glasgow Film Theatre and Ashley hopes to continue using her skills in humanitarian work. In recognition of her achievements, Ashley was named the ‘College Candidate of the Year’ at SQA’s Annual Star Awards. For more information about HN qualifications and more visit www.sqa.org.uk/learners

The 22-year-old from Bridge of Weir, Renfrewshire first completed an HND in acting before embarking on a year long trip to the Ukraine to work in an orphanage. Filming her experience inspired Ashley to get behind the camera and on her return to Scotland she enrolled on the HND in Creative Industries: Television at James Watt College.

www.hninfo.org.uk

year, we As the UK oil and gas industry announces its 2009 Apprentice of the schemes talk to two young people whose participation in Modern Apprenticeship their lives – both past and present – say it has helped shape their careers and

PUttINg tHE ‘StAR’ IN StARtINg OUt For college student Mark Wigginton, life is looking pretty good. The 24-year-old from Haddington, East Lothian, has just been named Apprentice of the Year by OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy in recognition of his outstanding ability and attitude during the two-year college phase of his four-year Upstream Trainee Technician apprenticeship scheme.

“I’m very proud to have won this award. The last 15 months have been fantastic and have gone a long way to equipping me with the skill sets needed for a long and prosperous career. The apprenticeship was recommended to me by a friend who thought I would be ideally suited to it.

other considering we are all from different places and backgrounds. It’s a great attitude to have in preparation for working offshore.”

Currently training to become an Instrument and Control Technician through full-time study at Jewel & Esk College in Edinburgh, he’s feeling on top of the world.

“I’ve always had a keen interest in all types of engineering and the training and opportunities it provided were just what I wanted.”

“I’m really keen to continue developing my skills. I think the apprenticeship provides you with a great starting point on which to build a good career, if you work hard you can progress a long way within in the industry.

“The oil and gas industry seems to have a great attitude to supporting and providing great opportunities to keen young engineers in order to progress their careers and move the technology within the industry as a whole forward,” said Mark.

During his course, Mark has learned everything from calibrating instrumentation to the theory behind electrical and mechanical systems, as well as developing his core Maths and English skills. “The biggest surprise has been how well everyone on the course gets on with each

Mark is looking forward to getting to grips with the second, more practical phase of the course.

“Equally as important is the lifestyle it can offer. The idea of working for two weeks and then having enough free time to travel and lead life to the full really appeals to me.”

WWW.OPItO.COM

CLIMbINg tHE LADDER tO SUCCESS John-Robert Eunson’s career today is a far cry from his early aspirations of working as chef in a top city restaurant The abrupt change was the result of a week’s work experience from school in the engineering department of a fish factory at home in Shetland where his eyes were opened to the possibilities a career in engineering might offer.

“A real bonus is that I have been given the opportunity to study for a degree. I do this through distance learning and with the full support of my company so I don’t have any of the debts that a regular student incurs.”

Now aged 24, he doesn’t regret a thing.

John-Robert will complete his BEng with the Open University next year after which he hopes to go on and study for an MSc in Oil and Gas Engineering at Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.

“My father had worked in the oil and gas industry so it always intrigued me. When I saw an advert in the local paper about apprenticeships with BP I applied that day. I started off as an apprentice going to college full time for 18 months then doing my on site training for two and a half years. Once I completed my apprenticeship I was taken on as a mechanical technician. As part of that job I was responsible for the mechanical maintenance of plant and systems at the Sullom Voe oil terminal in Shetland. “After a year I applied to go offshore and have worked on various platforms, most recently the BP Bruce platform where I am a mechanical technician responsible for the mechanical maintenance of the platform, looking after vendors and leading equipment overhaul campaigns. “I have been given a great deal of opportunities that someone my age might not get elsewhere. I am regularly entrusted to look after and over see major, multi-million pound equipment overhaul campaigns and as part of this I am put in charge of a large multi-skilled team.

“I hope to complete my studies by 2014 at which point I will be 28. The brilliant bit is that at this point I will have two degrees, no debts and over 10 years experience in the oil and gas industry!” he added. But it’s not all hard work. “One of the best things is the time off, the traveling I get to do outside of work and the chance to indulge in some of my favourite hobbies. Since going offshore I have visited Indonesia, saw the first Singapore F1 Grand Prix, toured the east coast of Australia and I’m already planning on checking out America and maybe New Zealand for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. “Down sides? The amount of food that I eat offshore - there are far too many puddings in the sweet cabinet!”

•tHE UPStREAM tECHNICIAN tRAININg PROgRAMME IS MANAgED by OPItO – tHE OIL & gAS ACADEMy IN PARtNERSHIP WItH tHE ENgINEERINg CONStRUCtION INDUStRy tRAININg bOARD AND RUNS At FOUR COLLEgES ACROSS tHE UK. FOR MORE INFORMAtION VISIt WWW.OPItO.COM

WWW.OPItO.COM

K O O C 2 t ME

to cook it!... ve lo e w , so e or m en ev d an od... Here at W2g we love our nfoand pull on that old oven glove. It’s... so tie on that apro

“Pennies” Pasta bake INgREDIENtS n Bag of penne pasta n 1 tablespoon olive oil n 1 onion - chopped n can of chopped tomatoes n pinch of sugar n few dashes of worcestershire sauce n cheddar - grated n sliced bread, coarsely grated n pepperoni n salt & pepper

MEtHOD... 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Heat oil in and fry the onion and pepperoni for 5 mins

Mix in tomatoes and sugar, bring to the boil - simmer for 20 mins

Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and season to taste

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to pack instructions

Mix together the cheese and breadcrumbs

Drain the pasta and stir into the sauce

Spoon into a heatproof dish

Scatter over the cheesy crumbs and grill for 3-5 mins

Serves:

tIME: 40 MINS COSt: 60-65P A HEAD MORE ExCItINg RECIPE’S FROM MARty tHE MIt NExt tIME!!!

...

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