A University of Sunderland student is all tuned in and ready to hit the airwaves after landing his dream job at one of the UK’s biggest radio stations.
Thomas Hannett, 21, from Gateshead landed his job within weeks of completing his University course after impressing bosses at Capital while attending work placements and then working part-time.
Thomas first came to the attention of Capital after he attended a Masterclass at the University and approached the station about having some work experience when he wasn’t busy studying.
The Media Production student completed his first two weeks on placement before impressing staff so much he was asked to come back on a part-time basis. He will now continue at the station as an Assistant Producer on The Capital Breakfast Show during the week and host his own show on Sunday mornings.
Thomas first started volunteering at the University of Sunderland’s student-run community radio station 107 Spark FM in his first year at University, and became the youngest person ever to present the student radio station’s flagship Drivetime show.
Thomas was back in Sunderland today, July 7, to graduate at the University of Sunderland graduation ceremonies at the Stadium of Light.
Thomas said: “I am in such an amazing position to be able to be working as soon as I am graduating. I wouldn’t have my job without the help of the University and to be working for the UK’s number one hit music station is amazing. I love it!’
The University has regular Masterclasses throughout the academic year that has seen BBC Breakfast’s Steph McGovern and Match of the Day and former Sunderland student producer Marc Vesty speak to students about how to get into the industry during the past 12 months.
Giles Tanner, Programme Controller at Capital North East, said: “It’s really important for me to be able to give local talent an opportunity and hopefully help them launch their career. Thomas was ready to use the experiences he gained at the University of Sunderland while at Capital and he will continue to do so as he now joins the station on a full-time basis. Spark FM has a great track record in providing students of an extremely high calibre with a great work ethic and I look forward to that relationship continuing.”
Spark is a multi-award winning radio and television station, and magazine, which broadcasts from the David Puttnam Media Centre to Sunderland on 107FM, and to the North East and the world at www.sparksunderland.com.