Now Jason’s making the news

Apr 18 2008 Chester Chronicle

A BRITISH Sign Language student from Chester is making the headlines after securing a front-line role ‘signing’ the news for ITV.

Jason St Lawrence, 27, secured the position at ITV in Newcastle after gaining the BSL NVQ Level 3 qualification at West Cheshire College.

Jason has also gained a wealth of experience in deaf studies, working as a communications support worker for the college.

It follows a string of successes for the St Lawrence family, with Jason’s brother Jeremy also completing the BSL NVQ Level 3 at the college.

Jeremy is now a communication support worker for the college and Chester University while sister Wendy is studying the BSL Advanced Skills at the college.

Eddie Clarke, the college’s programme leader in deaf studies, said: “Jason, Jeremy and Wendy have done extremely well in their studies here.

“Their parents are both deaf, so they have grown up with a background in sign language, but to get where they have is a great achievement. Signing can be a very competitive career, so for Jason to secure a position with such a big organisation as ITV is remarkable.’’

Jason said: “Working at ITV alongside deaf professionals is great experience for my career and I’m really enjoying it. Studying at the college enabled me to gain workplace experience and that paid dividends.’’

For details of courses at West Cheshire College call 01244 670600.