Journalism student from Glasgow Clyde College snapped up by the BBC

A rising star on Glasgow Clyde College’s HND Practical Journalism course has been selected to join the BBC’s apprenticeship scheme.

Ashleigh Keenan-Bryce fought off fierce competition, managing to successfully come through the application system which witnessed hundreds of entries from across the country.

It marks an impressive year for Ashleigh, who was crowned best newcomer at the UK Community Radio Awards after volunteering as a journalist with Perthshire’s Heartland FM.

Now Ashleigh will be working with the online news team and will be based at BBC Scotland’s headquarters at Pacific Quay for the next two years.

Ashleigh will be joining 26 other apprentices on the programme, based all over the UK, who will mix work at the BBC with study towards the Level 5 apprenticeship.

Glasgow Clyde College, in partnership with Glasgow Kelvin College, will also train the BBC’s journalism apprentices based in Scotland, by studying the NCTJ Diploma in Journalism course. The BBC’s Production Apprentices will also receive training in television, radio and digital production and craft skills at the two Glasgow colleges

Ashleigh Keenan-Bryce said:

“Although I was set on journalism being my dream career, I didn’t have a specific job in mind. I chose to have this outlook because I wanted to say yes to anything and everything that came my way. Thanks to this mentality, and the support of Glasgow Clyde College, I have been able to grasp every opportunity that’s come my way.”

“When the chance to apply for the BBC’s Fast Track Journalism Apprenticeship arose, I threw my name in the hat just to see where it took me. Despite competition at each stage of the application process, I was successful, and after my first few weeks on the scheme, all I can say is that I feel so lucky and grateful to be here.”

Curriculum Manager for Journalism and Events, Ross Nixon said:

“We are absolutely delighted for Ashleigh. She has taken every opportunity that has been given to her and has relished every challenge. In a short space of time, Ashleigh has learned so many new skills for a multi-media industry – not just in class, but also through her work with Heartland FM.”

BBC Editorial Portfolio Manager, Daniell Morrisey, said:

“Our Journalism Fast Track Apprenticeship is a wonderful route into the industry giving our apprentices the opportunity to learn on-the-job whilst studying for a qualification. Ashleigh is a great addition to this year’s cohort and I look forward to seeing her develop and flourish in her career as a journalist.”

Find out more about the BBC Journalism Fast Track Apprenticeship via the website at Journalism Apprenticeship Fast Track – Careers (bbc.co.uk) or on social media @BBCGetIn.