A Barrow Sixth Form College student is celebrating after securing a prestigious apprenticeship with the BBC.

Sadie Jacques, who studies media, design & technology and applied science at the Rating Lane campus, was selected on the strength of her news video and a set of three interviews with BBC executives.

The 17-year-old, who joined sixth form from Chetwynde School, and lives in Ulverston was selected out of thousands of applicants nationwide.

“I feel really shocked and speechless,” she said. “Only six people usually get in each year so it’s quite a lot to take in.”

She said it had been a rigorous process including online questions and games plus a task to create a news report in two days as well as the interviews.

“My news video was about how no one could get tickets to Beyoncé, which is a real-life scenario that impacted me and my friends so I could bring first-hand knowledge to it. There was a lot to do with a tight turnaround.

“I filmed it all in one day and most of the editing the same day. I definitely think my media course helped because a lot of skills I learnt in media helped in the application process, especially having the video skills.”

Sadie said she had a lifelong interest in the BBC and the media industry and had found out about the opportunity about it in her college personal progress session. She now can’t wait to start her BBC Post Production Technical Operator Apprenticeship in September at London South Bank University.

“Thousands of people applied for this role and even to get through to each round I was shocked so I’d recommend anyone thinking of applying to give it a go.

“I have visited London many times, so to be going to university there in September is really exciting, even though I will have only just turned 18 I can’t wait.”

Sadie said she owed a ‘massive thanks’ to her media tutor Chris Barnes for his help, support and encouragement.

Barrow Sixth Form College specialist media tutor Chris Barnes was full of praise for Sadie.

He said: “Sadie is an amazing student who has carved out her own success by working hard in class and seeking out opportunities in the fast-paced media industry. We are all absolutely thrilled for her and can’t wait to hear how she gets on.”