From Apprentice to Camera Operator: Akeem’s Career Journey
9th March 2023, by Akeem Graham
My name is Akeem, and I currently work in news at Sky as a Camera Operator/Editor.
I decided to take my first step into the media industry through the route of an apprenticeship. After researching and looking around, I stumbled upon the BBC apprenticeship scheme, with All Spring Media as the training provider. I applied for the Broadcast Production Assistant apprenticeship as it was a way to get into the industry without going to university. My dreams of going to university, unfortunately, didn’t go to plan, and this was a second chance to better my life and kick-start my career. It was the best decision I ever made!
During the training programme, I learnt a whole range of skills that I will carry with me long into my career. I now have an accumulation of industry knowledge and social skills that allow me to prepare effectively for interviews and to successfully network and maintain relationships.
After completing my apprenticeship in 2019, I continued working at the BBC until early 2023. Whilst at the BBC, I made lifelong friends, learned how to operate industry-standard equipment (lights, sound and cameras), how to edit news packages, and most importantly, I found myself and fell in love with being a camera operator. The BBC gave me a purpose in life and showed me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. They will always hold a special place in my heart as they believed in me when I sometimes didn’t even believe in myself.
The decision to leave the BBC did not come easy. After having been there for four and a half years, the team has felt more like a family to me. I decided to take the next step in my career to further my progression and explore what’s out there. I found out about a job opening at Sky through speaking with some friends who are also in the industry. Working at Sky has been amazing so far. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fun interviews and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
To anyone thinking of changing jobs or making their next move, be sure to make use of the connections and relationships you’ve created during the early stages of your career to help navigate your next steps. Don’t ever forget you are the next generation. Good luck!
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From Apprentice to Camera Operator: Akeem’s Career Journey
9th March, 2023 by Akeem Graham
My name is Akeem, and I currently work in news at Sky as a Camera Operator/Editor.
I decided to take my first step into the media industry through the route of an apprenticeship. After researching and looking around, I stumbled upon the BBC apprenticeship scheme, with All Spring Media as the training provider. I applied for the Broadcast Production Assistant apprenticeship as it was a way to get into the industry without going to university. My dreams of going to university, unfortunately, didn’t go to plan, and this was a second chance to better my life and kick-start my career. It was the best decision I ever made!
During the training programme, I learnt a whole range of skills that I will carry with me long into my career. I now have an accumulation of industry knowledge and social skills that allow me to prepare effectively for interviews and to successfully network and maintain relationships.
After completing my apprenticeship in 2019, I continued working at the BBC until early 2023. Whilst at the BBC, I made lifelong friends, learned how to operate industry-standard equipment (lights, sound and cameras), how to edit news packages, and most importantly, I found myself and fell in love with being a camera operator. The BBC gave me a purpose in life and showed me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. They will always hold a special place in my heart as they believed in me when I sometimes didn’t even believe in myself.
The decision to leave the BBC did not come easy. After having been there for four and a half years, the team has felt more like a family to me. I decided to take the next step in my career to further my progression and explore what’s out there. I found out about a job opening at Sky through speaking with some friends who are also in the industry. Working at Sky has been amazing so far. I’ve had the opportunity to work on some fun interviews and can’t wait to see what the future holds!
To anyone thinking of changing jobs or making their next move, be sure to make use of the connections and relationships you’ve created during the early stages of your career to help navigate your next steps. Don’t ever forget you are the next generation. Good luck!
