Billy’s business break

13/07/2012

Billy is pictured with the Paymaster General (Photo by Don Allen)

Media students at the College's Crawley campus have been lucky enough to work closely with a number of local businesses, organisations and individuals this year, as part of their professional projects. Their latest collaboration saw them link-up with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) for a photocall at a business breakfast on 12 July, with guest speaker, The Rt Hon Francis Maude MP, the Paymaster General.

The event took place at the Arora Hotel in Crawley, with student Billy Ellmers, 17, from Bewbush selected to attend on behalf of the College and fulfil the brief of photographing the event for use by the FSB.

Billy said: "I didn't just get a photo opportunity with this brief; I got a valuable introduction to members of the local business community which has already led to me being asked to photograph another event for the Crawley Chamber of Commerce. The Media tutors work really hard to secure these professional placements for us and I am really glad I was chosen."

Photography Lecturer, Don Allen added: "We are always looking for new professional projects for the students, which build links with the local community and help them to stand out whether they progress to employment or further study. For these students, the quality and range of their portfolio can open doors for them and give them a real head start in terms of their careers."

Chris Beer, Curriculum Team Leader, commented: "OFSTED's new focus is on student progression and improving the quality of the learner journey. This kind of opportunity is easily integrated into the BTEC vocational curriculum and contributes towards enriching the syllabus and encouraging students to fulfil their potential."