Seevic

BTEC Media student, Sam Cheetham, has made it through to the final six of the Industry Insider Prize, a new vocational initiative being judged by Arlene Phillips OBE.

This year’s prize was open to arts and entertainment students and is part of the UK-wide activities for VQ Day, the annual celebration of people who gain vocational qualifications through practical and vocational learning.

After a nationwide search of students studying in arts and entertainment, the cream of the crop have been identified as potential winners of a once-in-a-lifetime, ‘hands on’ session with experts in their chosen field of vocational study.

Sam, studying for a BTEC National Diploma in Media Production was nominated by his tutor for showing outstanding talent, potential and proving he is one to watch. Sam has demonstrated he is willing to go above and beyond the expectations of his course by starting his own independent production company, SRC Production Limited.

On making it through to the final shortlist, Sam commented: “The entertainment industry is renowned for being tough to break into and competition is fierce. Meeting experts would be a fantastic way to learn hands-on, so I’m thrilled at the prospect of winning this unique opportunity, which could open up so many doors for me.”

Industry Insider Prize

The Industry Insider Prize will celebrate a different vocational industry each year - this year, the prize was open to students studying for a career within the world of arts and entertainment.

The judging panel is made up of industry expert, Arlene Phillips, Jo Taylor, Head of Talent at Channel 4 and Peter Mitchell, Education Director at independent education foundation Edge. They chose the shortlist based on the nominees’ skill and ability to succeed, evidence of their significant achievements so far and passion for the arts and entertainment industry.

The winner will receive an exclusive insight into Arlene’s world with a one-to-one mentoring session, as well as training from an expert within their specific field of study. The six shortlisted students are now required to submit evidence of their work to prove why they deserve to win the Industry Insider Prize. The winner will be announced on 15th June 2010, ahead of this year’s VQ Day celebrations.