A MEDIA training programme designed to nurture the next generation of talent has completed its first year of service.
Cool Choices is an initiative from Start360, working in partnership with Cool FM, and funded by the Big Lottery Fund. The 15 week programme is aimed towards anyone aged 16-24, and not in education, employment or training, giving them the support they need to overcome barriers to employment.
Launched in 2014, the intensive programme includes five weeks within a ‘micro-station’ at Cool FM’s studios and has seen extraordinary results in its first year with some of the participants going on to gain employment in the station and with organisations such as HBO.
Speaking at a recent celebratory event for the programme, Start360 chief executive Anne-Marie McClure said: “It really is a privilege to be celebrating the first year of Cool Choices. I’ve enjoyed following the participants throughout this year and hearing their stories first hand. We’re really excited about the year ahead, working in partnership with Cool FM to deliver the next three cohorts of Cool Choices.
“Managing director of Downtown Radio and Cool FM Mark Mahaffy said: “As well as uncovering an exceptional level of new media talent, Cool Choices has made an enormous difference to the lives and ambitions of its participants on a very personal level, inspiring some of the young people who took part with the confidence to move forward in their lives, taking control of their own careers and destinies. It is incredibly rewarding to see the progress these young people have made at tonight’s event.”