Skillset arrange a 'Lucky Break' at Production Show

One lucky individual was offered a work experience placement at the skillsformedia ‘Lucky Break’ session at this year’s Production Show. Nick Thorogood, Channel Editor on UK Food and UK Style, offered Paul Atherton four-weeks work experience, possibly leading to a job as a researcher, in the session where experienced industry professionals were talking to runners and new entrants about their ‘lucky breaks’ in the industry and how to make your own luck.
Paul was recently made redundant from the PR industry but is now looking for a career change and eventually wants to be a producer.
skillsformedia, the media careers service jointly owned by Skillset and BECTU, hosted ‘My Lucky Break’ on Wednesday May 22 where over 80 runners heard how successful television people got their first lucky break and how they made the most of it. The session was heavily overbooked and skillsformedia careers advisors were also there to help the runners make their own luck.
Paul Atherton said: “The day before the skillsformedia ‘lucky break’ seminar I’d had a careers advice session with a skillsformedia advisor which was very useful and had given me lots of ideas on how to progress my career. Hopefully this could be the first stepping stone to a career as a successful producer.”
Paul Thorogood, Channel Editor on UK Food and UK Style, said: “I am thrilled that UKTV has been able to offer this opportunity to someone new to the television industry. Having spent time chatting to some of the many attendees after the Skillset 'Lucky Break' seminar it was great to see there are still many dedicated and enthusiastic people, keen to make a contribution to the television industry."
Ilka Walkley, skillsformedia manager said: “It is important to show runners and new entrants that all things are possible. Our 'Lucky Break' session set out to demonstrate to them that if they are willing and able, then there are lots of opportunities in the broadcast industry for them. We hope our speakers encouraged them to go for their dreams and goals."
Skillset, www.skillset.org
(GMcG)