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Confidence-boosting collaborations for creative media students

Telford College creative media students have been collaborating with a wide range of local organisations to give them real-world experience of working on social campaigns.

The level three BTEC creative media students have been putting their skills to use by creating promotional materials such as videos, posters, and logos.

Paul Keeling, creative media lecturer, said: “With lockdowns continuing, I thought it would be a good idea to keep the students motivated by providing them with some real clients to work with.” And so, it all began.

Call outs were sent to various organisations, and the response was encouraging. Students began to attend online meetings with clients, and overcame initial nerves to become more comfortable communicating with the organisations.

Students Harriet Sheargold and Connie Simpson have been collaborating with Stay Telford, which supports vulnerable people with housing opportunities.

Harriet Sheargold | Creative Media | Telford College
Harriet Sheargold produced this for Stay

They designed a poster and helped to promote their ‘Big Sleep Out’ event as well as their ‘Super Van’, which distributes hot food and sleeping bags to homeless people. Both said the project had boosted their confidence.

Magnus Kvaerndrup and Corey Clark have worked with the Shrewsbury and Newport Canal Trust to create a promotional video, and their results have been described as ‘up to professional standards’.

Magnus said the experience had taught him how to communicate effectively with clients, and Corey said he had been moved by the passion this group has for the canal and the effort they put in to make it better.

Telford Chin Woo, which provides free and part-funded martial arts activities for the community, providing physical and emotional benefits, has also been collaborating with students.

Magnus Kvaerndrup | Creative Media | Telford College
Magnus Kvaerndrup working on designs for the canals trust

Callum Roberts, who has produced a series of logo designs and a show reel, said: “Working with a client has pushed me out of my comfort zone because I had to talk about what they wanted me to do and also to schedule meetings.”

Elsewhere, students Kieron Hissey, Ben Rogers and Jake Snaith collaborated with TACT (Telford After Care Team) which supports recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.

They have been working on redesigning their logo, creating posters, web design and are currently working on a promotional video.

Jamie Stevens and Aston Key have been working with the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) on promotional materials and a video. Jamie said it had helped him develop his creativity and get used to talking to clients.

Ben Rogers | Creative Media | Telford College
Design work by Ben Rogers for TACT

Other organisations that have taken part include Age UK, Telford Carers, Telford Autism Hub, PODS (Parents Opening Doors), A Better Tomorrow and Shropdas (Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service).

Berta Matillo, learning support assistant, said: “Being able to get a feel of real work experience and a taste of what it’s like to work with clients has had an incredible impact on the students, both personally and professionally.

“The project has blossomed into some really positive working relationships and has significantly improved the students’ confidence levels, resulting in job opportunities for some.

“At the same time, it has benefited the organisations and helped showcase some of the great work they carry out in our community.

Joshua Ball | Creative Media | Telford College
Joshua Ball’s work for Telford Autism Hub

“All the students involved have done a brilliant job, and the feedback from the organisations is extremely positive. All the teaching and support staff could not be prouder of everything they have achieved.

“In particularly challenging times it has been heart-warming to see the collaboration between such essential organisations, which strive to make Telford a better place, and the media students looking to develop their skills and gain experience.

“Now the aim is to consolidate the links created so that more students will be able to benefit from further work experience opportunities in the years to come.”