A career involving media production is something Keion has always wanted, which is why in 2019, he successfully completed his A-levels in Media, Music Technology and Photography. After finishing his studies, he expanded his knowledge by completing a short radio course at a local radio station, but Keion wanted to learn more.
Keion was determined to grow his skills when it came to film and entertainment, so when a family member told him about YES Media, he was keen to get involved. Spread over multiple sessions, YES Media is a course ran by the YES Project that allows young people to develop and grow their multimedia skills. In the past, young people have learnt everything from video production to sound engineering, creating their own music and short films. Hearing of what he could do on the course, Keion was keen to sign up to the YES Project.
YES Media wasn’t the only thing Keion accessed whilst on the YES Project; he also learnt how to use software like Adobe After Effects through YES Creative. YES Creative is an informal space where young people are free to develop their creative skills with industry support, providing young people with skills for their CV. Whilst YES Creative offered a creative outlet to help develop these skills, it was the work with delivery partner, Leicestershire Cares, that supported Keion in making sure his CV highlighted all of his talents.
Keion was active on the project, not only in accessing the support provision available, but by engaging with other opportunities that arose too. One of these activities was a research report that was conducted by De Montfort University. It sought to understand and highlight how the YES Project is helping to change young people’s lives. Keion supported the researchers by answering any questions they had and by sharing his own experience, providing valuable insight into how the project can help.
The YES Project regularly receives updates of other initiatives that are running, so when an opportunity for young people through BBC Young Reporter came up, Keion was keen to get involved. BBC Young Reporter were looking for young content creators to pitch an idea ahead of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), and if selected, the young person would work with BBC to bring their vision to life. The final piece of content created was to be used as part of the BBC’s coverage of the conference. Keion was 1 of 22 young people selected nationally to take part and his end product aired on national television*.
Keion is exceptionally proud of this achievement and is excited about where the future will take him. Right now, his end goal is to work in the film and entertainment industry, producing shows and films for the likes of Netflix!
When asked what he’d say to another young person considering joining the YES Project, Keion said:
“It’s your time, so use it wisely. You have to be prepared to put the time in to get things out. But honestly, it’s a great group of staff who are all supportive and friendly.”
*This opportunity was solely the work of BBC and is in no way affiliated with the YES Project. The YES Project takes no credit for the opportunity or the work submitted. The YES Project is just thrilled to have been able to share it with Keion, who then applied separately and in his own time.
For more information about BBC Young Reporter:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/young-reporter
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-leicestershire-59134780