Uncovering Koceila’s Hidden Talent

Each year the Transforming Hidden Talent programme supports 100 young people, aged 16-25, into work. Over a period of twelve months we build their skills, connections and confidence through a series of masterclass training sessions and industry mentors.

Getting media-ready

Through the programme, Koceila was matched with mentor Aaron Nelson, a Production Coordinator at ITV. He also attended employability training sessions and masterclasses, offering an insight and introduction into the creative industries.

It was during a masterclasses, run by BBC Outreach, that Koceila met Nicola Stead, a Researcher and Photographer at CBBC. Nicola spent a session supporting Koceila in developing his C.V and making it more relevant to the creative industries. Impressed by what she saw, Nicola passed Koceila’s new C.V on to a senior member of her department, which resulted in it catching the eye of the CBBC recruitment team. Shortly afterwards, Koceila was invited for an interview with one of their Production Managers.

Hidden insights from industry experts

Following the masterclass session, Koceila met with his mentor  to prepare for his interview. Aaron provided him with valuable industry specific advice on how to approach the interview. He also ran through a practice interview with Koceila and suggested questions he could ask.

His hard work paid off; Koceila was offered a three-month contract as a Correspondence Assistant for Blue Peter. Here’s what he had to say: “I couldn’t have achieved this without Media Trust and the Transforming Hidden Talent programme. I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity and for all you’ve done so far. I’m not even half way into the programme and already I’m achieving more than I thought possible at the start of this entire 12-month period. I couldn’t be happier with how things are going.”

Nicola, who spotted Koceila’s potential during the programme and still volunteers her time to support Transforming Hidden Talent, said: “I am so proud of him. It shows how important the masterclasses are. It gives mentees a chance to meet a range of people from across the industry and get tips on various things. Koceila has a wonderful CV and I just helped him realise the amazing skills he has and passed it on to the people best placed to help. It’s really great that he has secured a three-month job on Blue Peter.”

Could you be somebody’s lucky break?

Transforming Hidden Talent is run in partnership with Media Trust, Queen’s Diamond Jubliee Fund and Comic Relief. Together, we work with the media industry to combat youth unemployment in London, Manchester and Birmingham.

Now in its second year, the programme is open for applications from young people and mentors. With support from the talented individuals working across our corporate members we can continue to provide mentoring and masterclasses to young people hoping to begin their career in the media and creative industries.