Picture commissioner /editor Review
at Channel 4
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Graphic Design
Leeds
Review Submitted: February 2023
Overall Rating
4.2 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
3.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
In my apprenticeship, I took on the role of a picture editor and commissioner. As an editor, I was responsible for creating imagery that could be used across our own platform as well as third parties like Virgin Media. As picture commissioner, I co-ordinated photoshoots, liaised with production teams and talent and developed concepts for shoots to be used across Channel 4 and press.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I finished my apprenticeship in June 2022 and I now have a full-time position at Channel 4 as a Picture Editor where I have since been involved in numerous projects alongside my day-to-day role.
This was a great opportunity for me as I had just left A-levels during covid and was unsure if the uni life was something that truly appealed to me. I struggled to enjoy A-levels and enjoyed a more practical approach to learning. This programme was good as it allowed me to develop my studies and skills in an area I was interested in alongside earning a decent wage and giving me real-life experience.
This was a great opportunity for me as I had just left A-levels during covid and was unsure if the uni life was something that truly appealed to me. I struggled to enjoy A-levels and enjoyed a more practical approach to learning. This programme was good as it allowed me to develop my studies and skills in an area I was interested in alongside earning a decent wage and giving me real-life experience.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Since this apprenticeship, I have greatly developed my existing skills (Illustrator, Photoshop, Indesign and more). I was able to build this through constant experiences in my day-to-day job as well as asking team members and utilising the courses provided in our work learning hive. I've got to be involved in numerous big projects such as Married At First Sight and National Comey Awards. This has not only developed my practical skills but also my personal skills. Improvements in my confidence and work connections is noticeable.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme involved me working 4 out of 5 days a week with Channel 4 in my job role and the other day was to be designated for apprenticeship learning. Every few months we attended an in-person week of learning in London. I like that we had a week fully focusing on the qualification and got to take part in some practical activities and learn skills that I wouldn't have learnt in my job role i.e. filming and video editing.
However, I felt that sometimes the days were dragged out and not much was taken away from the full-day sessions... such as just being given PowerPoint slides and a few breakouts that seemed to not achieve much. I also felt it lacked a bit in preparation for my exam. I was quite unsure of what to expect the day off and with what I had prepared felt like I could have done better if things had been structured and taught better.
However, I felt that sometimes the days were dragged out and not much was taken away from the full-day sessions... such as just being given PowerPoint slides and a few breakouts that seemed to not achieve much. I also felt it lacked a bit in preparation for my exam. I was quite unsure of what to expect the day off and with what I had prepared felt like I could have done better if things had been structured and taught better.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Channel 4 provides lots of support. I received the same benefits as a full-time employee and was involved in all the same experiences.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
We were provided with some sources and guest speakers as well as the opportunity to work with some hi-tech equipment. However, I felt the level of information and presentations they gave us could have been more interactive and of a higher level. A lot of the information was textbook and didn't feel as collaborative as it could of been.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
While I had plenty of tasks within my job role that related to my End Point Assessment I felt the actual programme didn't relate much to what I did or improved it more than just working in the role.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
Plenty! We have several support communities that have regular hosts talking or social events. Learning at work week gives opportunities to take part in courses relating or non-relating to your job. Marketing away days allow lots of socialising with teams and people you may not work with usually.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Channel 4 to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It is a welcoming hub of like-minded individuals who hold a passionate approach to working. The opportunities to improve here are endless and encouraged as well as supported by those around you.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Channel 4?
Be yourself and show your personality through the application. Show that you have a strong passion for what you are applying for and show ways you have proved this - for me I went on numerous photoshoot work experiences and did plenty of personal projects to evidence that I was going above and beyond to pursue my passion.
