BECTU reaches out to the next generation

BECTU has become a leading and visible presence at the annual Next Generation event within the Nations and Regions Media Conference, held this year at the Lowry, Salford.

The event gave nearly 100 young people, either new entrants or students from across the North of England, the opportunity to find out about the union and meet with practising professionals within the sector.

 BECTU Training Officer and ULF Project Manager, Brian Kelly was one of a panel of experts discussing with their young audience the topic of “career development and staying ahead with training”.

Brian talked about the role of the union learning representative and how they are trained to provide information, advice and support to members in helping them access training and development opportunities.

Other panel members included Liz Molyneux from the BBC North Academy and Christine Pyke of Puma Training who also provided positive yet realistic advice and tips to the audience.

Next Generation Producer Ed Pugh, co-ordinated a series of one -to- one guidance sessions which matched experienced professionals with new entrants to discuss their goals and how they can be achieved.

Many of the young people who attended the event are hopeful that the adjacent MediaCityUK Complex will provide work for them and lots of other young people wishing to make a career in the media.

 John Crumpton, BECTU’s Regional Learning Organiser for the North of England believes that many of these jobs will be freelance or on short term contracts.

“In such a landscape, it’s vital that BECTU focuses on raising awareness of how we can support our members with training and career development, whether they are freelance or staff.”