College students prove they’re work-ready with Business Awards film commission

Media students at Abingdon and Witney College have been given an exciting real-work challenge – to make a film of the high profile 2012 Thames Valley Business Magazine Awards evening.

The Awards  were presented at a glittering black–tie dinner in the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre at the Madejski Stadium, Reading in front of an audience of 340 guests, representing some of the region’s most dynamic and successful companies.

A team of three BED2 Creative Media Production students from Abingdon and Witney College – Henry Dixon (17), Suzy Frindle (18), Charlie Neilon (17) – filmed the evening for a video that’ll go on Thames Valley Business Magazine’s YouTube Channel.

Course leader, Tim Rose, says: “Providing the learners with the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional industry setting is invaluable. Developing these kinds of working relationships is at the very heart of what the College aspires to do with its pioneering Futures programme. What makes me most proud is how the learners grasped the chance to prove themselves in a situation that could otherwise be seen as daunting; the experience will make them stand out from the crowd as they progress to Higher Education or employment.”

Angus Thomas, Creative Manager, The Business Magazine, says: “We have worked with the students at Abingdon and Witney College on two video projects covering our major awards evening events. The students were well organised, polite and very professional in their approach to each project. Their level of communication is great and they acquitted themselves well as part of a larger event team. Supervision by the tutors was excellent and we are looking forward to developing our relationship further with the College on future events.”

Henry Dixon said: “I found the experience rewarding in the sense that I can add it to my CV to show prospective employers in the future, as well as gaining more skills on a professional shoot.” Suzy Frindle, said: “I think it was a good team activity which gave me experience on how companies set up and manage events.” Charlie Neilon added: “Another brilliant production opportunity with the addition of a very interesting Dragon, Hilary Devey.”