Richard Luscombe AFTER taking part in NCS in 2015, Annie Lewis started a media and press internship with Argyle Community Trust. Eighteen months later, she is now leaving to follow her professional ambitions through acquiring her journalism diploma.
Whilst her parting is sad, more opportunities have opened up at Argyle Community Trust for NCS graduates to get involved and use Argyle to help themselves in their future career.
“The experience I have gained at Argyle has been invaluable”, Annie said. “I started at the club not knowing much about the sector I wanted to work in, but I leave with incredible experience that has aided my CV and enabled me to get on to a course, which will help me develop my career.”
Annie has worked with the Argyle Community Trust Media Manager every Wednesday since January 2016. After graduating from NCS in October 2015, she has independently worked on press releases, media projects and conducted interviews to produce pieces, which have been published in both Argyle’s media networks and local newspapers.
As an NCS graduate, Annie’s primary focus in media was to assist the NCS department in Argyle Community Trust. During the Summer of 2016, Annie went on Summer NCS as an assistant team leader and a media coordinator.
“I am so grateful to be able to have my work published and keep the by-line, which is an integral part of the sector I work in,” said Annie. “Argyle has taken me on, taught me and helped me publish my own work, which has boosted my position as a young journalist – and for that I am very grateful.”
“I liaised with the press officers at home whilst I was away to produce press releases and media which was published to ensure ongoing coverage of NCS Summer.”
Dwain Morgan, Social Inclusion Manager at Argyle Community Trust, commented: “Annie made a fantastic impression on PAFC NCS staff during her Autumn programme, showing great team work skills and a passion for challenge.
“Upon successfully graduating from the programme, Annie expressed a desire to continue volunteering in order to continually improve her CV. Knowing that she had an interest in Journalism, we created a year-long work placement. Throughout this role, Annie produced press releases, website stories and match-day publications.
“Although Annie does not have a burning desire for all things football, she used this opportunity to facilitate her own professional development. We are sorry to lose Annie to higher education, but thank her for her contribution and wish her all the best in her future studies.”
After leaving Devonport High School for Girls this summer, Annie has applied for BBC, ITV and Sky apprenticeships, as well as internships at magazines. She is going to acquire her National Council of Journalists accredited diploma next year to hopefully start work immediately after.
“I am going to miss working with Argyle and have had such a great time,” said Annie. “I hope to come back again, but for now am looking forward to finally being a qualified journalist.
“Finally, I couldn’t be where I am now without NCS. The opportunity is not only so much fun but can lead to much bigger things.”
To not miss out on your NCS opportunity, contact Dwain Morgan on 01752 562561 ext.4 or email dwain.morgan@pafc.co.uk
