Radio Presenter Course 2024: Applications now open!.
“I went from one year knowing nothing about radio to, the next year, winning Silver at the IMRO Radio Awards for Newcomer of the Year,” says Max Kane, 2021 Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course Graduate who completed his work placement in East Coast FM. Max was one of the many students to secure employment in the radio sector after completing the programme designed and delivered by Learning Waves.
The applications for the Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course 2024 are now open.
Teresa Hanratty, Learning Waves Network Manager, shared insights about the success and the opportunities the Radio Presenter Course provides in recent RadioTalks podcast: “Over nearly a decade, the course has produced numerous graduates who have secured full-time positions in radio stations across Ireland. Cabrina Conaty, a graduate from the 2023 programme now hosts the mid-morning show at LMFM, and other graduates like Daniel Considine, Max Kane, and David Nelligan are now working full-time in the industry.” Teresa emphasised that the course offers a comprehensive introduction to radio, covering everything from content creation to the commercial aspects of the industry. “Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, which temporarily halted the work placement component, the course now includes a structured two-week work placement at an independent radio station. This hands-on experience has led many graduates to secure employment within the stations they interned at.” The 12-week programme blends in-person and online modules, starting and concluding with in-person sessions and includes visits to radio stations for practical learning. Hanratty highlighted that prior radio experience is not a requirement to apply, and the course is fully funded for part-time workers, making it accessible to a wide range of applicants interested in various aspects of radio, including presenting, production, and digital content.
As we embark on the 2024 programme, it’s worth reflecting on the remarkable journey of the 2023 graduates. Below is the feedback from the 2023 graduates.
Highlighting Engaging Course Elements
Tara Flanagan expressed enthusiasm for the course's "hands-on, practical, and insightful" nature. She particularly appreciated the "great industry guest speakers" and the invaluable tips and guidance. Tara emphasised that the studio exposure, combined with training in audio software and radio equipment, makes this course a must for anyone eyeing a career in Irish radio.
Kathryn McKiernan's testimonial echoed the sentiment of gratitude and excitement. Describing the course as a "baptism of fire" in the radio industry, Kathryn found the insights from speakers to assignments profoundly enriching. She expressed anticipation for delving deeper into this newfound passion, acknowledging Learning Waves for the invaluable opportunity.
Sam Harrison offered a unique perspective, reflecting on his initial apprehensions about a career in radio. However, his experience with the course was "eye-opening and quite enjoyable." Sam cherished the bond he formed with his peers, remarking on their quick connection and the collaborative spirit that blossomed amongst the group.
Strenghts of the Course
Aoife Ward emphasised the course's diverse range of knowledge, highlighting it as not just a presenter's course but an opportunity to gain a comprehensive skill set for various roles in radio. Niamh O'Connor shared her gratitude for the instructors, highlighting their unmatched expertise and enthusiasm, which made each session informative and enjoyable.
Judith Mullally's experience was one of exceeding expectations. She praised the influential speakers, the diverse range of valuable radio content, and the insights that left her eager for a promising future in radio. Aoibhin Redmond was particularly excited about the opportunities the course provided, while CJ Weerasinghe emphasised the unparalleled access to industry leaders and resources.
Course Feedback by the Numbers
Diving into the statistics from the course feedback, it's evident that participants had overwhelmingly positive experiences. When asked if the course met their expectations, a significant portion (44.44%) admitted they weren't entirely sure what to expect initially but were pleasantly surprised by the course's content and delivery. Moreover, a remarkable 33.33% felt that the course not only met but exceeded their expectations. This enthusiasm was mirrored in responses to the clarity of content delivery by the presenters, with a staggering 100% agreeing that the presenters were articulate and coherent in their approach.
The course's recommendation factor stands as a testament to its quality and impact. A unanimous 100% of participants responded with a resounding 'YES' when asked if they would recommend this course to others. These statistics paint a vivid picture of a course that not only meets but often surpasses its participants' expectations, offering clear, coherent instruction and leaving attendees eager to share their positive experiences with others.
To find out more about the Learning Waves Radio Presenter Course, click here. The Learning Waves Skillnet Programme is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, the European Union and network companies.