Job Title:
Actor starred in Lost, Lord of the Rings, Hetty Wainthrop,

School/college/uni:
Primary school in Germany
Secondary school in Stockport
Acquinas VI form college Stockport

What are your working conditions?  Hours/ locations/ days/
This varies depending on the type of work . You can be wet through or baking hot if the film requires it . It may be freezing cold but you have to pretend its hot .Some filming takes place in the winter but the film may involve swimming in the sea freezing! During filming you have to be on set for as long as it takes –until the director is happy—filming takes place 24 hours a day 7 days a week as required

What are important skills/experience for your job?
Getting on with people, trusting them, working as part of a team. Being open to ideas and taking a pride in the work—going the extra mile! Knowing that an actor, however famous, is only as good as the team around him/her i.e. the lighting /camera/sound/make-up/costume etc are equally crucial

What school subjects do you think were most useful?
Drama, English Literature, Languages

Why did you choose your job?
It’s the only thing I ever wanted to do and to be honest I never thought it would happen – but it did

How did you get into it?  What were the steps along the way?
I think the thing that worked for me and possibly for others was being in the right place at the right time but I also think that you need to work at being in the right place and being able to show that you have the ability to do the job well.  I was always involved in school productions and I joined the Manchester Youth Theatre. This meant that I spent my summer holidays rehearsing with the group whilst everyone else was either in bed, playing football or watching TV. It was from this activity that I got an agent and the agent then sent me for auditions. I got a TV role from one of these auditions and that was the beginning.

What surprised you about your job when you started?
I think what surprised me most was the hard work involved – long hours and a lot of time away from home. The attention to detail is often amazing and a great deal of time is spent waiting for everything to be perfect lighting, sound, weather conditions etc.

What qualifications have you got and where did you study them?
I have 10 GCSE passes and A/S in Drama and English Literature
I left college during the 2 year A level course

Did you ever feel like giving up?
No because I love the job

Who motivated/helped you get where you are today?
My family and teachers at school –particularly at the sixth form. I always loved the movies and actors like Robert De Niro and Al Pacino were my idols and they motivated me.

There are lots of people who helped me at different stages and hopefully I have helped them and others in return.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety of work, the lifestyle particularly when the film company is picking up the bill for 1st class flights /hotels etc.

What’s the worst thing about your job?
There are times when you are not working and you get involved with projects which don’t come to fruition. There lots of time spent away from home which can be good but the novelty soon wears off.

Initially fame and having people recognising you and wanting autographs/photos etc is very nice but after a while this wears off and I really enjoy privacy and the ability to do things others take for granted without being in the public eye. For me acting is a job – when I'm working I accept that there is a lot of publicity attached to it but when I`m not working I like to just like everyone else — this is not always possible.

Overall however the good things about my career far outweigh the bad

What advice would you give to a young person interested in following your footsteps?
Do it
Don’t think you cant
Get involved –casting agents want to know what you have done not what you think you can do.
Be patient-- it can happen but for most actors fame does not come easily or quickly
Persevere –if it doesn’t happen straight away that doesn’t mean it wont happen –some actors begin their careers in their 50/60s!

GOOD LUCK

Job Title:
M. D. OCL Focus Training (subsidiary of OCL)
Employer:
Oldham Community Leisure

School/college/uni?
West End Secondary in Ashton, Tameside College the Leeds University to do a degree in Sport and Recreation

What are your working conditions?
Work can be anywhere in the borough and sometimes beyond, if attending meetings, seminars, training etc. Work is flexible over 7 days any times according to need.  36hours 40 mins a week.  Salary circa £32k

Describe a typical week.  What sort of tasks would you cover?
No week is the same.  Usually time is spent attending meetings, communicating (300 emails a week), networking, finding solutions to problems, it’s like fitting together the pieces of a jigsaw.  One minute you can be in Wales collecting equipment then back to check on the climbing wall, bidding for funding, charter marks etc

What are important skills/experience for your job?
Listening and communication skills at the right level.  Being able to see reason and being practical. Negotiation skills, being friendly and approachable. Getting the balance right between leadership and management.  Having experience of contact with people.

What school subjects do you think were most useful?
Maths and English. Practical subjects like Technical drawing, physics and RE. RE because it teaches you about understanding, diversity and cultures and it’s about accepting people who might be different to you.

Why did you choose your job?
Didn’t really choose this job. I went into the RAF as a fitness instructor to begin with then went to Unilever in logistics and planning and stayed there for 12 years. After that had a career change and went to work for Tameside Council as “Wally the Walrus”!  This was back in recreation which lead me to be a sports leader, then onto sports development which meant taking a pay cut.  But then I moved onto being an area manager for DSO then onto my current position.

What surprised you about your job when you started?
I had a culture shock when I left the RAF and again when I went to work for the council as to how long things took, the paperwork and protocols etc

What qualifications have you got and where did you study them?
I amassed a large number of diverse qualifications along the way including a degree, 3 diplomas, level 4 in motor vehicle, various sporting awards and even a printing qualification!
I believe there are 2 choices to make with education:  limit and specialise or be generic and transferable.  Everyone’s different.

Did you ever feel like giving up?
Everyone feels like giving up.  It’s natural!  But persevere, see the light at the end of the tunnel and get in the right state of mind!!!!!!! 

Who motivated/helped you get where you are today?
My father set me a good example. He worked 7 days a week and was up at 5am. He used to say “if something needs doing, do it NOW. Don’t wait til tomorrow.”

What’s the best thing about your job?
The flexibility, intensity, uniqueness, diversity and the good opportunities.

What’s the worst thing about your job?
There is no set task and clearly defined boundaries so you have to be in control, negotiate, be driven and self motivated.

What advice would you give to a young person interested in following your footsteps?
Going through education will help you but it’s not just that, it’s the way you apply yourself. Take guidance and help from people who are around you who are there to help you so that you know what it is you want to do!  There is a niche for everyone out there. Develop yourself and understanding and make the most of your opportunities, don’t waste them!