My Life: Aishah Khan, Manchester, 17

Last year I got involved in a project with the Media Trust and Union Street Media Arts, a production company in Manchester. Before this I was unemployed, not in education and was unsure about what route I wanted to take in the future. This opportunity helped me gain some skills, knowledge and insight into the media industry.

I underwent intensive training alongside other young people to learn about filmmaking. I worked in a team of five with a Media Trust mentor and a film director to create a film called Hopes and Aspirations, a short documentary that explores young people’s stories and the concept of success and following your dreams. The staff at Union Street were very supportive throughout the project. They were so impressed that they offered me a position as a volunteer.

In this role, I set up a Union Street youth production crew for future commissions and was commissioned to be the main editor for a film for Trafford Council on anti-bullying. This will be shown in schools across the borough. 

I also had the opportunity to work as part of the Parkinson Production Team on broadcaster Michael Parkinson’s Masterclass Show, in which he interviewed leading artists. Filmed at the British Sky Broadcasting studio, it was an amazing experience.

Having not known what I wanted to do, I now plan to go back into education, to take A-levels in art, media and literature.