University of Chester students win prized BBC work placement

Dec 29 2009 By James Shepherd

Three students from the University of Chester have beaten off competition from around the country to win prized work-based learning placements with the BBC.

Alistair Phipps, Robert Pickles and Franc Subias all third year Media students, will undertake a three week placement with BBC Sport next year, primarily working with the team responsible for producing A Question of Sport.

To win their placement, the students had to impress a BBC panel by editing down 30 minutes of sporting video footage into a one minute clip. The clip was to have music running over the top and be a certain theme, of their choosing, running throughout.

With only limited places up for grabs, competition was fierce, but in the end the three successful students came from the University of Chester.

Wayne O’Brien, a Senior Lecturer in Television Production at the University, taught the students many of the editing techniques they used in producing their videos. He was delighted that the University was once again leading the way.

He said: “It’s fantastic news for the three students involved and is great testament to the quality of work our students produce. For there to be just three places available and to have our students win all of them is brilliant.”

After submitting their videos, the best candidates were then invited for interviews so that the panel could select the most suitable applicant to fill the work placement places.

One of those successful students, Robert Pickles, is relishing the chance to work for the world-famous BBC. Having produced a “victory” themed video, featuring the likes of Usain Bolt, Robert then successfully went through the interview process.

He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to go and work with the BBC. I really didn’t expect to hear anything back once I had submitted my video, but when I received the good news I was delighted.

“The interview was quite structured, but it was also quite relaxed as well. The panel made me feel at ease which obviously helps.”

Alistair Phipps, is also eagerly anticipating his chance to work at the BBC. Having produced a video themed around the ‘he who dares, wins’ motto, Alistair also impressed the panel at the BBC and can now look forward to his placement in early 2010.

Alistair said: “I can’t wait for to get started. I’m really looking forward to the placement, but then who wouldn’t be? It’s a tremendous opportunity for me and I feel very privileged to have it. “

The students will be working on ways to incorporate a new interactive online game, Sportdaq, into the Question of Sport website, while there may also be opportunities to work in the studios when filming for the show takes place.

In addition to the success of Alistair and Robert, fellow University of Chester student Ryan Arndale also secured a work placement with the BBC where he has been working with the team that produce the Sports Personality of the Year Awards.