Yasmin Ojo helps at Radio 1 and 1Xtra Pitch and Tour events with young students interested in media. These allow groups of students to see the Radio1 and 1Xtra offices and studios, learn about how technical equipment works and pitch a content idea to producers. It also gives them an insight to the kind of job roles available at the BBC.
'It has improved my confidence and I have an insight into what other young people want from the BBC'
I was a sixth form student in my first year, studying four A-levels. While the courses were of interest to me and very stimulating, I felt like I needed to do something else. I was struggling with how difficult it was to transition from GCSE to A-level. No one really prepares you for that. So I decided to look into apprenticeships, as I fancied a go at some practical work experience that would benefit my chances in my career.
Young people visiting the Live Lounge during Pitch and Tour with Yasmin, centre front.
I was always interested in journalism and loved to write, so when I came across the BBC Local Radio apprenticeship a light bulb went off in my head. I thought the course sounded perfect for me so I decided to apply. I ended up being chosen for the London position and I couldn’t believe that I was working for the BBC. I am now still working for Radio London as a Broadcast Assistant - helping set up radio content.
I decided to volunteer to help at BBC Outreach’s Radio 1 and 1xtra Pitch and Tour days, after receiving a notification about the opportunity from the coordinator of my apprenticeship. These days consist of showing a group of students around the Radio 1 and 1xtra offices and studios and listening to them pitch an idea for a programme that they were given in advance. I was able to connect with the students as I had been in their position not too long ago.
I was quite shy at first as I thought: why would these young people want to ask me anything? I have a lot less experience than the producers I was working with. But I was able to tell them how I got into the industry and gave them tips on how to stand out when applying for apprenticeships and work experience. One student was so inspired by my story that she approached me separately to ask more questions about applying for apprenticeships with the BBC.
My main goal of volunteering was to inspire other young people and show them that it’s possible to get a job within the BBC – and I feel like I achieved that. It has improved my confidence and I have been given an insight into what other young people want from the BBC. I can now take that back to my role at Radio London and help inspire some fresh ideas to our programmes.
Working with the BBC Outreach team was a great experience, as they encouraged me to tell the students about my own story and involved me like I was a member of the team. Volunteering really shows how passionate you are about a subject and shows that you care about making a difference to others. But it’s also enjoyable and pushes you to develop as an individual.
BBC Outreach & Corporate Responsibility brings the BBC closer to its audiences - particularly those audiences we have identified as harder to reach - with face-to-face activity, community support and staff volunteering.