Talented Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form student Christopher Arkley pitched, and then produced, a training video for Pendle Borough Council.

The College’s Film and Media Studies department is highly popular. Students join these courses so that they may explore the creative industries and put themselves in a good position to enter these exciting industries in the future. In order to get into these competitive industries, individuals must be highly qualified, adaptable and knowledgeable. The College constantly pushes its students to become ideal candidates by keeping the course up-to-date with industry developments and encouraging them to take advantage of any opportunities that may arise.

Second year A Level Media Studies students were recently approached by David Walker, Waste Services Manager at Pendle Borough Council, to create a training video for the Council’s use. After meeting David Walker, the students were set the task of pitching him a storyboard and script.

Christopher Arkley, from St Christopher’s Church of England High School, was chosen to create the training video. The eighteen year old worked on a commission to create the video and his final piece impressed the council so much that they have produced it and it will soon be distributed on a national scale.

David Walker attended the College’s fantastic Art, Design and Media Exhibition, whereupon Christopher presented him with the final, finished video. Christopher hopes to progress into a career in the media industry and is planning to go next to the USA to read Film and Television Production at the world-famous UCLA: the University of California, Los Angeles.

David Walker, Pendle Council’s Waste Services Manager, said: “I was impressed with the professionalism of both Christopher and his support team and would thank Nelson and Colne College for the opportunity they provided us with.

“The waste sector remains one of the most dangerous areas of industry to work in and it was clear there was a need for a relevant health and safety training aid to be produced. The workforce within the industry is ever changing and we intend to market the DVD as an essential part of the induction process for new staff. The DVD itself is short enough to retain the viewer’s interest while providing some very clear safety messages in a very professional production.”