A second year student from Salford City College’s FutureSkills has started building a career, at one of the most well-known brands in the country.
Eighteen-year-old Zubair Rana from Cheetham Hill has secured a part-time job at ITV’s MediaCityUK office, after completing a six-week summer placement there as part of his college course.
The former Abraham Moss High School pupil is studying at FutureSkills’ Young Professionals Academy, on a programme that is delivered in partnership with Career Ready- a UK wide charity linking employers with schools and colleges to open up the world of work to young people.
The two-year course is for students who have the potential to excel in the areas of business management, accounting and financial services, and will give Zubair a Level 3 AAT qualification in Accounting.
Thanks to the College’s partnership with Career Ready, students of the Young Professionals Academy also get the unique chance to complete a six-week paid internship in the summer between their first and second year.
Zubair completed his six-week placement at ITV, and as a result has now returned to the company on a part-time basis whilst he completes his college studies. He explained: “I love working at ITV, as it is such as well-known brand with such a strong reputation, so it will look great on my CV when I come to look for full time work after my studies.”
The career-focussed student works at ITV one day a week as a Payroll Assistant, which he explains: “Involves supporting the day-to-day procedures in the payroll department. I chose to pursue this role as I like working with numbers and money, and I know that it is a skill that is always going to be in demand.”
Tina Piper, Business Service Centre Executive Co-ordinator at ITV said: “ITV has been running a summer intern programme for the past five years. Each year the interns get better and better, and I must say that last year was the best, with Zubair joining the Business Service Centre with the other interns.
“It was a pleasure to watch Zubair grow in knowledge, skills and confidence over the six-week placement and easily become a valued member of our team. His end of internship presentation was not only excellent but was one not to be forgotten, and we are delighted to have him return to us whilst he completes his studies.”
Apart from his ITV internship, Zubair says that the best thing about his course at FutureSkills is that there are lots of opportunities to visit companies and meet industry professionals.
Some of his personal highlights have included going to Liverpool to meet the Regional Manager of Santander, and being part of the Career Ready ‘A Capital Experience’ trip to London in his first year, where he and his classmates visited the Citibank offices at The Gherkin.
Zubair explained: “I chose to study at Salford City College because my sister went there and got a triple distinction in her course, and now studies at the University of Manchester. I therefore trusted the College’s reputation for good results.”
Geoff Evans, Curriculum Manager for Financial and Professional Services at FutureSkills, said: “Zubair joined the Career Ready programme following an open day at the College and was determined to secure his place on the Young Professionals Academy course.
“One of my most memorable experiences was witnessing Zubair’s end of internship presentation at ITV; my colleague Justine Thatcher and I could not believe how his level of confidence had increased so rapidly. His experience has had an impact on his whole family, especially his mother, whose response when told he had been successful in his interview at ITV was truly unforgettable.
“Zubair is growing into a fine young man with an exceptional work ethic. He has embraced all aspects of the Career Ready programme and therefore will no doubt be successful in whatever career choice he decides to embark on. For us it has been a pleasure to witness his progression.”
When he finishes college, Zubair plans to go to university to study Law, and already has offers from the Universities of Manchester and Salford. In ten years’ time he says he would like to be working in the Houses of Parliament.
