TEENAGE INTERN URGES OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE TO EMBRACE WORKING WITH THE PLATFORM PROJECT

Teenage film maker Reuben Bell is urging other young people who have found themselves struggling with their careers to consider an internship to build confidence and experience.

The 19-year-old from Highworth, has just completed a six-month internship with the Swindon-based social enterprise The Platform Project which helps 16 to 24 year olds become ‘employer ready’. 

“It’s been a fantastic experience and I’ve not regretted a moment. It’s been a tough couple of years for me and many others. I gained a media production qualification and then we went into lockdown and there have been no opportunities for me to build up credible experience. 

“I tried to start building my skills yet felt lost and it can sap your confidence. With The Platform Project I’ve been filming for them including a charity event, I’ve made a film for Wiltshire Community Foundation, made my own showreel, built my website, improved my CV and my confidence has grown.”

Reuben, a former student at Highworth Warneford School, has done all of this while working part-time. 

Sadie Sharp, founder of The Platform Project, said: “Reuben has been such an asset to our team. As well as gaining skills and building his own confidence, he’s learned to network with business owners, and he’s really gained an understanding of how he can move forward with his life.” 

Reuben is now hoping to move into film and tv production and has applied for various apprenticeships including one with the BBC. 

The Platform Project, now in its fourth year, is a social enterprise that helps prepare young people for the work environment and take their next steps into a career, with 89% of the young people they work with moving on into paid work, further education, or self-employment. 

Any young person looking for help in launching their career or taking their next steps can contact The Platform Project on [email protected] to find out about how their programme can help.