Lights, camera, action... Stewart is '˜Moving On' with BBC Scotland!

Stewart Campbell (22) is working towards gaining a Modern Apprenticeship level three qualification at Glasgow Kelvin College and, since starting his apprenticeship in September 2015 Stewart, who communicates by lipreading and using British Sign Language (BSL), has been training with BBC radio, TV and online.

Stewart is supported by Action on Hearing Loss Scotland’s ‘Moving On’ service and is one of only 10 people from 1300 applications to be accepted on the BBC Scotland Apprenticeship scheme.

He said: “Broadcasting is very competitive so I’m delighted to have this wonderful opportunity. I have completed placements in the BBC’s music radio, Gaelic, factual, children’s and general radio departments and I’m currently working in the learning sector, assisting on various projects such as Bitesize, iWonder and the L.A.B. I’m also looking forward to gaining work experiences in BBC Scotland’s news, sports and marketing teams.

“My colleagues are very helpful and I feel part of the BBC’s teams. I was provided with a BSL interpreter at the interview stage and, through the Access to Work scheme, I get the necessary communication support when I require it. I hope my experience encourages other young Deaf and hard of hearing people to follow their ambitions and achieve what they want to do.”

Stewart has been supported by the charity’s Employment Advisers since 2012, his last year at school. Stewart attended the ‘Moving On’ service’s five-day college preparation course run in Glasgow City College where he learned about the practical and budgeting skills as well as about the range of support that is available.

Stewart said: “The course gave me a good understanding of what college life would be like. Action on Hearing Loss Scotland provided Deaf Awareness Training for my lecturers and fellow students which enabled me to complete my studies more easily. I started doing a cookery course and, whilst I enjoyed it, I wanted to pursue a different career path. I started an Introduction to Pathways Course on Creative Industries, then a National Certificate in Film and Photography and finally a Higher National Certificate in TV. It’s great to now be building on those qualifications by working with the BBC!”

‘Moving On’ is a Big Lottery Scotland funded service which supports young people aged 16-25 in Scotland’s central belt who are deaf or have hearing loss and into education, employment and training.

To find out more about Moving On phone: 0141 341 5330, textphone: 0141 341 5350 or email: movingon@hearingloss.org.uk.