We have extended our connections into Bristol’s creative business sector by collaborating with PYTCH to give our students experience working in a professional live and virtual events environment.
Bristol-based PYTCH has been providing creative events services and technology to corporate and music clients for two decades. After connecting with us earlier this summer, an agreement to support our students with workplace experience has been put in place. PYTCH opened its state-of-the-art studios in July 2021 to give boomsatsuma students insights into the potential careers they could follow.
PYTCH founder Johnny Palmer explains:
“We have always believed in nurturing young talent. When we realised that boomsatsuma's education model incorporates work-based experience and draws students from the diverse communities across Bristol, we were keen to extend the chance to work with us.
"The speed with which boomsatsuma reacted to our request and the quality of the students has really impressed the whole team and we are looking forward to welcoming many more".
Martha Iles and Caitlyn Argles, Level 3 Extended Diploma Creative and Digital Media students based at Engine Shed, were the first boomsatsuma students to be given a paid four-week placement, to round off their first year.
Caitlyn Argles said:
“This has been a great opportunity. We've been made to feel part of the team and worked alongside them on 'live projects', which was really exciting. We've both learned so much beyond the things we learn in college about what goes on behind the scenes, from the warehouse, to lighting, to PAT testing. It's given us a realistic view about a real working environment.”
Martha adds:
"A big thing I’ve learned is to seize the opportunities – say yes, be willing to do what is needed and more doors will open.”
Two more students will join PYTCH in August for their placement. This is a really exciting collaboration and one we hope to develop further. As our Director, Mark Curtis, put it:
"Giving students high-end experiences with access to creative industry workplaces sits at the core of our ethos. PYTCH is a really dynamic events environment and they have been incredibly accommodating and inclusive in the way they have worked with Martha and Caitlyn. I am sure this has given them both great insight and boosted their confidence to on a creative career, whether that be in events, TV or film. It will be interesting to follow their progress."