Super Apprentice

My apprentice buddy Bilal Saleem has climbed mountain Ben Neviz to try and raise £1000 to help provide water in Africa and he's almost there too.

So let's help him get there by making a donation to his fundraising page.  Go Bilal Go.

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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)

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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 

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As Promised...

It is finally here people. Check out DiVA's #NAW2013 video featuring Arit Eminue and myself.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

We're half way there!

Goodbye March, Hello April and welcome to the next 6 months of my apprenticeship. I can't believe I'm half way through.

To mark the occasion, DiVA have come into the presence of Royalty.

Yes, the lead DiVA Arit Eminue was invited to a special reception held by the Queen and her hubby the Duke of Edingburgh. This invite only event was filled with top executives from the film industry. She was rubbing shoulders with the likes of Johnathan Ross, Julian Fellows (the Creator of Downtown Abbey), screen actors Idris Elba, Noel Clark, Helena Bonham Carter, Paddy Considine, Barbara Broccoli (Producer of the Bond Films) and George Lucas ( Director of Star Wars) and a whole host of other famous faces. So with six degrees of separation and all that, Queen Lizzie practically knows my name too : )



Since my last post, I've also been published in the Hackney Today; Check me out. I can now say I'm a Published writer. Click here to see article.


Moving on, it's my favourite part of my apprenticeship, the training. Next week I will be putting on my Film Director's cap and taking the reigns alongside my fellow apprentice Amanda Dorsett as we begin filming for our project.

I haven't had a chance to go into detail about my college side besides rant on about how much I love it.

Over the past few months my college mates and I were given a brief to re-brand the existing Lucozade brand. We've had to research our audience, pitch our ideas to panels at IPC media and digital marketing agency DARE, create an online presence (Tumblr & Twitter)  for our idea and now we have to film a 30s-60s advert to promote our brand.

The theme of our group is 'fun'; we decided to create a crazy dance called the Lucozade Limbo and are currently undergoing pre-production so that we are ready for filming next week. Keep an eye out for pictures of the day.

So, lots on the horizon. I have already done so much, met so many incredible people, learnt priceless knowledge and overcome many obstacles; I cannot wait to find out what the next 6 months bring me. I hope you all stick around to continue my journey with me.

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) Round Up.

My very first NAW is all done and dusted. What a hectic week is was. 

For those of you who don't know (where have you been?!) 
NAW is a nationwide celebration of Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, business and the economy. 

DiVA Employer Open Morning

Kick starting the week was our very own Employer Event held at Channel 4. Like apprentices, employers can be confused about how apprenticeships work. We solve their problem by breaking down the process in simple terms. We also introduce them to an apprentice or two.

Sadly our guest (apprentice) speakers fell ill so I had to step in at like no notice. Thankfully, I was more nervous about people not turning up to my first employer event than I was at speaking. So me and my unprepared self winged it. I entertained our guests with stories about what my journey had been like so far, how my training has helped me and my day to day life; long story short, I think I did pretty well. Many wished me luck at the end and asked to keep in contact. 
We had a good turnout with companies such as Creative Skillset, The Princes Trust and Islington Council represented.

Simon Devereux and Nathan Patience

Big thanks to Simon Devereux, People Development Specialist at Channel 4 for hosting us (you might have seen his picture on the London Underground).


Next up... Woolwich Careers Fair which took place at Charlton Football club.

Charlton Football Grounds

Organised by the Job Centre the event brought together companies like DiVA face-to-face with young people interested in training and apprenticeships. DiVA (as usual) were the only Media related company there.

The staff at the Job Centre were very pleased to have us; we had people queuing for our stand and I hadn't even set up yet.

Arit Eminue at the Woolwich Careers Fair

This time, I had an apprentice... my Director Arit Eminue. We decided to job swap (more about that later).

I think it's fair to say my Director had a harsher approach than me, quizzing people and re-writing their CV on the spot. Though the advice was valuable and witnessing it was rather humorous I suggested being a tad more gentler. 

Towards the end she really enjoyed it and many people interested in what we do asked whether they could stay in contact. Plus we got a load of sign ups to our mailing list.

Back at the office I swapped jobs with Arit.

Arit Eminue and Selene Shaw

Selene Shaw at Arit's Desk

She really got into being me - she even wore my glasses. I sent out emails and took phone calls on her behalf to get a feel of what she deals with on a daily basis. I must admit I enjoyed sitting in the lead DiVA chair and being in charge of the office.

#TAKEOVER 2 at Channel 4

Next up... #TAKEOVER 2 - an event organised by Channel 4 Apprentices fro wanna be apprentices. The apprentices showcased a film they made as well as a panel of represent and graduate apprentices for the audience to ask questions and network.

Personally, I think it is really important to hear from and talk to your fellow apprentices; you both are experiencing the same thing and it's a good way to share stories, offer advice and tips and even talk about times when you find things difficult. It was comforting and inspiring hearing their stories and seeing how finishing their apprenticeship has benefited them. This drew our activities for the week to a close and it was such a good event to end on.

Overall I think it's safe to say NAW went well and we did our fair bit to help get apprenticeships noticed. Yay for Team DiVA. So until next time.

Keep and eye out for our video documenting my job swap and NAW. 

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva 

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website

Welcome 2013...

Things have been hectic at the DiVA HQ, I’ve starred in my first movie (lol), organized and attended several events, our team has grown, new apprentices have joined and we’re on the hunt for a new office! Though I enjoyed my Christmas break it’s nice to get back to work. 

So, important things first – my acting debut. I starred in a video showcasing the experiences of apprentices.  The video was commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service and has gone viral. There was a write up in the Evening Standard and my local press is interested in doing a piece on me, their local star!  You can view the video here. 

Team DiVA have grown. Annette Telesford has joined as our Apprenticeship Training Coordinator. We've also helped four young people secure apprenticeships in Design and Creative and Digital Media. It's lovely to see new faces and watch the team and business expand. Though our newfound numbers have us playing musical chairs in the office. We need to find a bigger office, sharpish. Get on it Bryony :). 

Moving on, the lead DiVA (Arit Eminue) has been sharing her words of wisdom this month. She spoke at an event called 'Be Your Own Boss' where she gave her top tips on building your business and dispelled the myths of multi-tasking. The turn out was great; her talk was really informative and engaging. I had made an awesome slideshow to go with it; unfortunately due to technical difficulties no one saw it. :( I'll save it for next time. 

Doug Richards, Arit Eminue and Benedict Hazan

We had another event, slightly different to the previous, called 'The Apprentice' open to start-ups interested in taking on apprentices or interns. Chaired by Doug Richards (ex-Dragon's Den judge, serious moneymaker& Founder of School for Start-Ups) Arit was joined by Benedict Hazan (Head of Innovation, Inspiring Interns) Bryony also said a few words. All  speakers thoroughly explained what apprenticeships and internships were, how they could benefit a start up business and shared their opinions (this time my slideshow was seen :). It was held at The Hospital club in Covent Garden; it was a brilliant venue. 


On to other news, I represented DiVA at a meeting at BAFTA along with a line up of senior executives across film and TV at BAFTA. The aim of the meeting was to brainstorm innovative ways to let young people know about the different job roles in films so they can make informed decisions about the education route they wish to take.  Other topics included ideas on helping graduates secure employment that did not necessarily include working for free. 

I found this meeting interesting, being someone currently going through the process of deciding which career path to take. It was a brilliant opportunity to network and be involved in a discussion that has great relevance to myself. 

So what’s next? 

Well, we have an event next week for businesses in Hackney looking to take on apprentices.  We’re also planning events for National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) which takes place on the 11th-15th March. The purpose is to raise the profile of apprenticeships with employers and young people. 

So far I’ll be flying the DiVA flag at the Woolwich Job Centre Apprenticeship Day.  Most likely we’ll be doing a live Q&A on twitter – so if there’s a topic you’re interested in discussing let me know. 

I’ve got a fair bit of training lined up to.  Arit encouraged me to attend two marketing courses one of which focuses purely on Social Media Marketing.  I'm really looking forward to it; it will give me the opportunity to build on the skills I have been developing over the past months. I’m also back at College during the week of 18^th Feb.  Yay! I really enjoy the learning aspect of my apprenticeship. There's always some fresh and exciting element being added, making it a lot more interactive and engaging. Last time we visited IPC media who publish magazines such as Marie Claire and Look (my favourite). The Marketing Director from Revolver Entertainment also came to see us and delivered a masterclass on the Marketing Campaign for Plan B’s directorial debut 'Ill Manner's'. 

Finally, I’m DESPERATELY trying to get Arit to let me attend London Fashion Week. I can go in so far as I can get an interview with a designer for our DiVA Inspire brand.  Any advice or contacts – please send my way! 

4 months into my apprenticeship, I love it, I’m learning something new everyday and building vital skills that will help me prosper in the future.

Can't really complain can I? 

Follow me on twitter - @SeleneShaw_Diva

FaceBook - Selene Shaw (Selene Diva)

For the latest apprenticeships visit our website