Facing my fears...

Hi guys :)

As mentioned previously, last week I attended an apprenticeship fair at Chelmsford College and sat on a panel for a Youth Employment Convention, here's an update for you on how that went. 

Chelmsford Apprenticeship Fair 

It was an early start for me as I had to be in Chelmsford for 9am. Luckily, my Mummy gave me a lift so I didn't have to lug all my marketing materials around with me. Thank goodness for mums. 

When I arrived, the college was buzzing with students. I set up our stall and spent the day discussing the ins and outs of creative apprenticeships and how they can help you get your foot in the door. A lot of people think apprenticeships only apply to trades like plumbing and carpentry. The fair gave me a great opportunity to explain what DiVA do, many were surprised creative apprenticeships even existed.

I was able to spread a little DiVA light on the subject, and there was real interest from both the young people and their parents.

The next day I attended the Youth Employment Convention at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. I was invited to sit on a panel to discuss Higher Apprenticeships alongside Carole Carson, Chief Executive, Babington College and Paul Fothergill, Director of Education and Skills, PWC. Tim Dawkins, Director of Business Development, NCFE chaired the panel.

Youth Employment Convention - Tim Dawkins 

I may have mentioned in previous posts my dislike of public speaking. This was the first time I'd spoken on a panel and I'm pleased to say I wasn't too nervous. Since working with DiVA and doing a fair bit, I'm beginning to enjoy it. After practising my questions and answers with my Managing Director numerous times (practice makes perfect), I felt prepared.
I was really confident answering my questions in front of the audience, discussing how apprenticeships can benefit young people and how I ended up on the apprenticeship route. The audience were really engaged and I got quiet the round of applause once I'd finished.

I definitely think I've conquered my fear of public speaking. Yay me.

As always, it's been a pleasure guys.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

Goodbye April

Hello everyone, who's been enjoying the sunny weather? Let's hope it lasts.

I thought I would stop by and give you an update as April ends and May begins.

First things first, I had my week of college. This is my favourite part of my apprenticeship, I was really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, I was struck down with the flu (again) and wasn't able to attend the whole week. Talk about bad timing right.

On a positive note, I managed to drag myself in for two days at least. The first day we were filming for my classmate Charlotte Williams in Camden. The brief was to get footage of really trendy and unique individuals as well as some quirky scenery that Camden is so well renown for. Besides from my sniffles and the rain we had a really good time. Once we got over our fear of rejection we got into it. It can be really daunting asking strangers if you can film them but we learnt not to take the 'No's' personally.

Shot from Lucozade Fun Filming

Shot from Lucozade Fun Filming

The next day of filming was for my group; we decided to film in the college, as being in the warmth seemed a lot more appealing. Our idea was trying to re-create a really fun dance similar to the Harlem Shake. We thought it would be cool to bring back an old dance that people could recognise but breath new life into it, so we decided to bring back the Limbo. With the help of my friends we were able to capture some really colourful and funny footage that I cannot wait to edit. When I finish it I'll be sure to show you guys, but in the mean time enjoy these images from the day.

In other news, I have another school fair coming up. Chelmsford College have invited me to their Apprenticeship Fair. I am really excited because it is solely aimed at apprenticeships; it will be really interesting to see what other apprenticeships are out there and to hear young peoples thoughts on apprenticeships as they become more popular. 

Lastly, Inclusion and the Association of Employment and Learning Providers are hosting a convention entirely focused on youth employment and I will be speaking on a panel, (click here for tickets). Being a young person exploring the employment options that are available to me, I am truly honoured to be speaking at this event amongst other eminent speakers such as Matthew Hancock, British Conservative Party Politician and Will Hutton, Former Editor-in-chief for The Observer. My session will be discussing Vocational Degrees, Higher Apprenticeships and Future Leaders all based around the question "What is the future for vocational qualifications?".

Well guys that's it for now :)

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website