Three Suffolk New College Ipswich campus students have started their media career journeys thanks to a link-up with Jimmy’s Farm.
Jimmy and his team officially signed up to support their local college (Suffolk New College) when they became an industry partner last year.
By doing so, they have committed to working on a minimum of three student-led projects a year.
One of those programmes has seen three up-and-coming media professionals get work experience opportunities working for the TV favourite and his team.
Since starting the placement in February, the trio of media students have worked in the marketing department, created social media content, and two of the crew got to work on the ITV show called Jimmy and Shivi’s Farmhouse Breakfast that is produced by Rock Oyster Media.
During this experience, they also got the chance to star in a TikTok video with TV chef Ainsley Harriott.
Chloe Smith, 17, from Ipswich, is one of the lucky learners. The level three media student at Suffolk New College said: “Since doing this, I have realised that I want to get into marketing – rather than going into TV. It’s really helped me gain experience and think about my future plans.”
Niamh Doyle, 17, from Woodbridge, is also on a level 3 media course at Suffolk New College. She said: “We have been doing lots of social media with the animals – working with the Jimmy’s Farm marketing team. I’ve found the experience very useful. It has given me more opportunities to explore different areas. A very big thank you to Jimmy’s
Farm – I feel lucky to get this opportunity.”
Ruby Gooden, 18, from Ipswich, is on a level 3 media course. Ruby got to work on the TV show and said: “It was cool to meet celebrities, and we were in a TikTok with Ainsley Harriott. Everyone treated us with respect. They took the time to show us what they do and give us insight into their roles. It made me way more confident.
“It’s been a good experience. I guess potentially this might lead to a job (with Jimmy’s Farm) – it’s all about who you know in this industry.”
Lauren Dodman is the Head of Visitor Experience at Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park. Lauren said: “It’s been great to work with the students, they have been a real help with our socials, and they have integrated well into the team.
“We are an industry partner, and it is important to us that we work with places like Suffolk New College as they are producing the next generation of media (and other) industry professionals who may be working for us in the future.”
Speaking more generally about the relationship with the college, Lauren added: “Stevie Sheppard (Park Director at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park) is a governor and ex-student of the college, and Jimmy is an industry partner. They both value hugely the relationship they have with Suffolk New College.”
Jimmy Doherty added: “The students have been fantastic and it’s a real pleasure to work and support Suffolk New College and their students.”