Work Club 2023-2024 (Manchester)

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The Gaydio Academy in partnership with Manchester City Council, delivered radio and work skills training, peer support and mentoring to help jobless people from Greater Manchester find secure employment and training as part of 'Work Club 2023-2024'.

All learners saw themselves enrolled into the industry whilst benefiting from one-to-one support and onward volunteering opportunities as well as tailored CV workshops and advice.

Each intensive round of training delivered five informal training sessions over a single week at our Manchester Academy HQ. Training focused on:

Course Layout

  1. Introduction to radio and how to become a radio presenter

  2. How to plan content

  3. CV skills workshop, job search and news presenting

  4. Other roles in radio and the music business

  5. Create a group podcast and explore next steps at Gaydio and beyond

Radio Demo

The goal of this first day was for each participant to produce their first link that they could take away with them. The link was designed to be similar to a Gaydio presenter's delivery (Opener, Sense of the Day, Outro). Below is Paul's demo:

News

During one session, participants took part in creating a group news report from scratch and recorded this live. Taking current news stories, they constructed a journalist layout to present this on-air. Individually, they recorded and then edited this down to the final feature. Please see below one example created and voiced by York & Paul:

Podcast

At the end of the week, the participants got back into groups to record a podcast which focused on the LGBTQ+ community and some of the issues they face. The questions were designed to be asked if you were from the LGBTQ+ community or as an allied. Below is Paul & Yorks podcast:

Pictures

Testimonials

  • What can I say? You brought out the best in me! This was arguably my most enjoyable classroom experience to date

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • I loved each and every second of the curriculum and especially the panache of which it was delivered! I've never known any educational experience to be so enjoyable and still be so memorably illuminating.I'm tremendously grateful for my gracious introduction into the Gaydio Academy

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • Lee has a fantastic ability to deliver arguably complex information to a diverse group of individuals and I have no doubt that thanks to the way he delivers the training, each person on the course (and the others he runs) will be taking away valuable assets in their learning

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • This course made me realise just how lucky I am to live in a cultural hub like Manchester. There aren't many other places that would offer such a comprehensive introduction to radio and broadcast for free! The practical skills I picked up, and the content I created on this three-day course, felt equivalent to what I did in an entire module at University. Interested in media, I was a bit apprehensive going in as I had no radio experience and also thought I might be the oldest on the course. The other learners were incredibly diverse, of a wide age bracket, and with a variety of knowledge and interests. I felt incredibly welcome from day one and the relaxed atmosphere of Gaydio’s studio meant the whole group was comfortable and quick to get to know one another. Of course, the main factor that got the whole group buzzing was the energy that Lee brought consistently every day. Lee is a fantastic teacher and an even better cheerleader. With his encouragement, you can achieve great things on this course and once you’re done he will make you feel unbelievably confident. The fact that Gaydio offers this opportunity to everyone makes me immensely proud to have their organisation representing the LGBTQ+ community!

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • Don't wait. Whether you consider yourself to late in your career to start something new. Whether you fear you haven't the right skills to embark on a course such as this, you're likely incorrect. The Gaydio Academy has restored my faith in following my dreams and renewed my ambition for working in broadcasting. I hope this is the start of a new chapter in my career and I can assure you what is delivered by Lee and the team in the Academy is a sure footing to get you going

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • Brilliantly and effortlessly put together and the fabulous Lee Barnes is enough to brighten up the experience

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • I thoroughly enjoyed the Gaydio Work Club. It was a fantastic insight into the inner workings of radio and was a brilliant confidence builder. Lee is a fantastic teacher, super helpful and so positive. It was fantastic working with him. I feel like I learnt so much in the 3 days and now feel like I have a fantastic foundation to continue to pursue a career in radio. Thank you Gaydio, Gaydio Academy and of course Lee Barnes, you super star!

    Participant from course
    Manchester
  • I have really enjoyed being on this course. Content was what was expected and I have learned a lot from it. Lee, the course tutor had a vast knowledge and experience in Radio therefore overall, I really enjoyed this very informative course and I would highly recommend it too!

    Participant from course
    Manchester