Blog

Kate Edwards

Hello – me again, and this time I’m getting involved in the HR blogging season.  If a year ago someone had told me I’d be working in HR my reaction would have been ‘reaaaalllly?!’ but since joining 4Talent in January I have enjoyed every second. 

My job as 4Talent Coordinator means I mainly project manage our Work Related Learning Programme, however I have had the opportunity to work on a number of other really interesting pieces of work including revamping the induction policy for new Channel 4 employees as well as getting involved in assessment centres for our Diversity Production Training Scheme.

In the last year my career has changed quite a lot.  Having graduated, I went into radio as a Presenter and then Head of Music.  Up until last year I looked after the music for Xfm London but unfortunately I was made redundant so I came to Channel 4 to be the Music Manager for the radio stations they were about to launch.  Unfortunately, due to the economic climate, the radio project didn’t materialise.

Nevertheless, that wasn’t the end of the journey for me at Channel 4 and I applied for a maternity cover role in 4Talent.  I tried really hard to see past the doom and gloom of my radio career fading before my eyes and to see the opportunities in front of me.  Having only worked in radio, my CV was very focussed on one medium, using similar skills in a similar environment, but this new position has broadened my experiences and hopefully made me more employable in the future.  In the last nine months with the direction of my line manager and supportive colleagues, I have had the chance to learn a whole new range of skills that I will be able to use going forward in (hopefully!) my long and happy media career.

Kate Edwards

Hey

It’s been a busy week in 4Talent, but what better way to end it but by launching our Work Experience Programme for 2010?

Channel 4 are delighted to offer up to 80 work experience placements in London during the year, to help students find out more about working in the media industry.

The scheme is aimed at 14-19 year olds in Greater London education and placements will take place between January and September 2010.

There will be around 80 placements offered across our business, from HR and Finance to Marketing and Commissioning, plus at several Independent production companies.

If you are a Teacher or a Work Experience Coordinator you can nominate up to 5 young people to attend our next Open Day on Wednesday 18th November.

At the Open Day, students will have the opportunity to hear from industry professionals as well as take part in interactive sessions.

Once attended, students will then be eligible to apply for one of our 1 or 2 week work experience placements via our online recruitment system.

To receive the correct application form and this info for you to distribute - please email wrl@channel4.co.uk

The form must be completed and sent to us via email by 23rd October 2009.

Channel 4 will email students directly, copying in teachers, to let them know the outcome of their application by 6th November 2009.

For any further queries, please email me: wrl@channel4.co.uk
I hope you’ll get on board – it would be great to have you as part of our scheme.

Have a lovely weekend,
Kate x

Kate Edwards

I have a virus on my computer and despite the rest of the 4Talent team raising their eyebrows for comedic effect as though I’ve downloaded something I shouldn’t have, this my chance to set the record straight – I haven’t!  It is however a great opportunity for me to sit in a ‘quiet room’ and write my second blog. 

Over the last week, I have had a fair few requests for work experience in 2010.  Most include something along of the lines of, ‘it may be too soon to ask’, but believe me, it’s NOT and I have nothing but admiration for those of you who are already planning on getting that all important experience next year.  It is NEVER too soon to start thinking about your future and what you need to do to achieve your goal and if the 4Talent team can help you with any practical advice about kick-starting your media career, you know where we are.

With regards to work experience – I can announce that we will be offering a number of placements again next year from January to September, not only at Channel 4 but also with some of our independent production partners.  I am currently working on the exact timings of each and liaising with the managers involved so that you can get the most fulfilling experience and learn more about what it takes to work in the creative sector.

We shall be announcing more very soon, with the launch of our 2010 Work Related Learning Programme next month.  Our work experience scheme will be aimed at 14-19 year olds in Greater London education and if you’re interested in being nominated, please pass this email address to your tutor or work experience coordinator: wrl@channel4.co.uk  If they send us a quick email to let us know they’re interested in getting you involved, we can then make sure they’re included on all our mail-outs and get all the info about our next open day on 18th November.  If you don’t fall into this bracket there’s no need to worry – 4Talent have got loads more opportunities coming your way and I’ll have more details for you soon!