Member Article

Social Media apprentices host live industry debate

Apprentices from The Juice Academy, the UK’s first industry-led social media apprenticeship programme, are being mentored by leading media and digital industry figures from The Sun and Manchester Evening News, in preparation for a live debate on the topic - “Print Media Will be Dead in 10 Years.”

Mentors include the likes of Guy Patrick, northern news editor of The Sun, and Paul Gallagher, digital innovation editor of The Manchester Evening News.

The mentors will work with The Juice Academy apprentices in the run up to the debate, providing in-depth advice to enable learners to effectively develop their arguments for and against the motion.

The Juice Academy has teamed up with Manchester debate organisation, Discuss, to host the event, which will also double as the inaugural ‘Future Discuss’ – a new debate format aimed at young people from across the North West.

Chairing the event will be co - founder of Discuss, Michael Taylor, who commented: “I have kept a close eye on The Juice Academy since its launch and have been impressed by its success over the last 12 months, especially the calibre of apprentices it attracts.

“I am therefore delighted to be hosting this event, which might be the first of many more debates aimed at young people.”

The debate, which takes place on 2nd July at The Juice Academy, is an opportunity for The Academy to showcase the calibre of apprentices it attracts.

It is also an opportunity for businesses from all sectors to learn about the future of the print and digital sector, meet industry experts from world leading organisations and learn more about the benefits of hiring a social media apprentice from The Academy.

Lucy Adams, senior project co-ordinator at The Juice Academy commented: “It’s a common misconception that young people are not engaged with the key issues that are facing our industry today.

“This event is the perfect opportunity for our apprentices to showcase their understanding and passion for the media landscape and for businesses to gain insight from leading media and digital figures.

“Pairing our apprentices with these experienced individuals also enables them to download years of insight and knowledge. This will help when it comes to the content of their debate.

“We are confident that the event will also highlight the talent and intellect of our learners, so we are keen for businesses, who are thinking of hiring a social media apprentice, to attend.”

Juice Academy apprentices taking part in the event include Jake Wharton of Oldham Council and Sam Hutchinson of Smoking Gun PR, who will be arguing for the motion and Gemma Morris of de Poel and Nathan Youd of Tangerine PR, who will be arguing against.

Launched in 2013, The Academy is the UK’s first industry-led social media apprenticeship programme. The year-long course – which was developed and spearheaded by Tangerine PR – includes a mixture of theoretical and work-place learning, covering all elements of social media skills.

Since its creation, The Academy has placed almost 50 apprentices in businesses across the North, with 100 per cent of its first cohort securing permanent full time offers with their employers.

The event will also be an opportunity for businesses to meet some of the apprentices who are working for companies across the North West, including Pets at Home, JW Lees, Regatta and BetFred.

To reserve a place at the open evening on Wednesday 2nd July, from 6 - 8pm – please contact Lucy Adams at The Juice Academy on 0161 817 6600 or email lucy.adams@juiceacademy.co.uk

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Simon Malia .