A former Graphic Design student from Stratford-upon-Avon College is thriving as an apprentice for a TV company that specializes in True Crime.
Ewen MacDonald, 18 from Stratford-upon-Avon, attended the college from 2023 to 2025 on the Level 3 Graphic Design course and used the skills he learnt to secure a BBC Content Creation apprenticeship, working for FirstLookTV.
Ewen chose to study Graphic Design as he has always been interested in the visual and creative space and wanted to develop his skills and explore what was possible in the industry. He chose Stratford-upon-Avon College as the course content looked diverse and fun.
During college, Ewen was able to develop skills in a range of mediums and have autonomy when choosing projects: “I developed a deeper technical understanding of software related to graphics, the ability to plan ahead efficiently and work out the steps to achieve a goal, a wider understanding of what graphic design can encompass – be it animation, advertising etc. My favourite thing was the freedom we got in projects to do what we were interested in – it really let me develop my skills and hone it on what I was interested in.”
Following college, Ewen chose to do an apprenticeship as the idea of university didn’t really appeal to him: “I wanted to get an actual job and work in the creative industry, not study it.”
He is currently undertaking a BBC FJAA L3 Content Creation apprenticeship, working for FirstLookTV: a leading international television production company specialising in factual documentary, investigative content and True Crime shows.
Ewen is delighted with his apprenticeship: “I am enjoying working an actual job and being a part of producing something that takes a lot of people. It feels good seeing a show you worked hard on being something people can watch and enjoy. I also enjoy the variety of things I do in my job, as there is always something new to learn and I am constantly developing my skills and becoming more employable.”
Graphic Design Lecturer Helen Wright, is pleased to see Ewen’s progress: “During Ewen’s time studying Graphic Design at Stratford College, he explored his interests through a wide range of practical projects. In his second year, he had the chance to think about his next steps and what path would suit him after the course. It’s been great to see him secure an apprenticeship he’s genuinely excited about, and I’m really pleased he now has the opportunity to continue developing his skills further within the creative industries.”
