SPOTLIGHT ON…

TOM KATES, COMMUNITY EVENTS COORDINATOR, TPS

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

It starts with checking the technical elements of the studio, making sure it’s ready to use for lessons. Most of the time I will be meeting new hires and discussing what facilities are best for them. I’m currently working on new ways to advertise the School’s facilities and putting plans in for new theatre seating to increase revenue. This is helped by the fact that we will be holding a world premiere of a new musical in November 2019.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Dynamic, exciting and versatile.

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

To see the income that’s generated play a key part in improving facilities for the students and staff as well as our outside hires. Ultimately to provide new equipment to make our students learning experience a positive memory for them which they will remember.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The wide variety of tasks in my typical day at work and how this improves the school.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I generate income for the school through lots of different areas from sport on the 3G pitch to running events and shows in our studio theatre. All of the income goes back into school giving the students an unrivalled experience at school.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

I honestly can’t believe that I get to run the Studio@TPS, a goal I set myself in school and college: to turn this amazing venue into a space for everyone. My career has changed a lot, from working as a casual technician in a range of schools to working in the IT department at TPS. The idea of running the studio was to make sure our community uses the venue and attends events. This year I have made sure that not only is this a place for students, but exstudents and future students.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“The name’s Bond… James Bond.”

What do you like most about your job?

I love meeting new people and providing an excellent customer service to our community. It’s always good to hear feedback and meeting people is the best way to find out this information.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Competing with local facilities when it comes to hires, as Petersfield has lots of facilities for community use its difficult in securing hires sometimes if venues are slightly better or cheaper than ours. My biggest challenge is increasing the income every year whilst the budgets are getting tighter so it’s up to me to make sure the school has money coming in.

What’s your personal mantra?

To let go of the life I had planned and embrace the one that’s been given to me.