SCHOOL: Whitley Bay High School
GRADUATED: Bmus in Music @ Guildhall School of Music & Drama
CURRENTLY: Music producer and songwriter published by BMG and managed by Milk & Honey LA.

TICE offered me an amazing opportunity between college and University to a be fellow with BBC Performing Arts Fund. Jenny was so great, we’d meet up every few weeks and she’d give me such great encouragement and friendship. I honestly can’t thank Sam enough, who was my mentor throughout the fellowship. He was a weekly encourager, friend, expert and most importantly he managed to bring the best out of me throughout the year. The most valuable lesson I learned was a simple one, and it was to bring out my own personality in your music, rather than just copying everything out there. I don’t think Sam realised when he said that it completely changed the way I approach writing music. There are many online resources now to learn from, but when you’re starting off in a creative career, you need encouragement and guidance from a mentor to keep you going and to get you started on the right path. I recommend TICE to anyone wanting to go into a creative career!”

SCHOOL: Burnside College
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) Fashion Communication at Northumbria University
CURRENTLY: Brand Coordinator at Bella Freud.

“TICE was the first time I performed live, TICE was the first opportunity I had at forming bands, TICE was the first time I felt confident to actually write my own music and TICE was the first experience I felt at home.”

SCHOOL: Longbenton High School
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) Fashion Communication & Promotion at Nottingham Trent University
CURRENTLY: Freelancer Social Media Influencer whilst also working as Social Media Executive for fashion label, Dress Me Zee.

“After completing TICE my mind became set on working within the fashion industry. At the time I was studying for my GCSE's so they became my priority, but in my spare time I worked on really building up my social media profiles, particularly Instagram. Also being able to say I completed TICE in my personal statement favoured me well in gaining a place at University to study my dream course. Anything that makes you stand out is GOOD.”

SCHOOL: Churchill Community College
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) Textiles and Surface Design at The Northern School of Art.

“My advice to anyone who is considering taking part in TICE is to give it everything. The more you put into it, the more you get from it. Being able to talk about TICE in my personal statement and at interviews was an ice breaker. I enjoyed being part of it so much that I was happy to talk about what I had learned from the experience. I have gained a lot from TICE, not just as a student but also from the work experience. It is definitely something I would recommend to students who are considering a creative career.”

SCHOOL: Longbenton High School
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) in Fashion Communication at Northumbria University
CURRENTLY: Junior Content Manager at Miller Harris.

“I feel that TICE had hugely influenced my career choice, my experience with working with models, stylists and digital imagery, solidified my desire to be involved in the fashion industry, specifically communication and promotion, as before taking part in TICE I did not realise such areas existed, and as a result, I became able to see past the words draw and design when hearing ‘fashion’.”

SCHOOL: Whitley Bay High School
CURRENTLY: Harvard University studying Computer Science.

"Learning new things depends on two factors: content and context. TICE's unique approach is groundbreaking in both. The program exposes students to important, inspiring, real world applicable ideas from industry leaders. It does so in a way that is exciting, impactful and challenging, and really pushes students to explore and innovate. This is a phenomenal program"

SCHOOL: Burnside College
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) in Architecture at
Northumbria University
CURRENTLY: MA Architecture at Newcastle University.

“I would recommend that students take this opportunity to participate and experience being in the creative industry. You might be surprised with the amount of links and experience you may receive whilst enjoying the programme and it is an opportunity that I would not miss out on."

SCHOOL: Burnside College
CURRENTLY: BA (Hons) Fashion Design & Marketing at Northumbria University.
CURRENTLY: Stylist at Levi Strauss & Co.

“My one piece of advice to anyone who is considering TICE is to go for it. Even if you feel like the creative industries aren’t something you’re completely made up on, by taking part and having that opportunity to explore further, you might end up finding something you want to pursue. Working closely with professionals means you are able to get any answers to questions you may have on how to get to where you want to be.”

SCHOOL: Jarrow School
CURRENTLY: Performing and Production Arts in Theatre, Voice and Movement at Sunderland College.

“TICE has gave me the confidence and independence to be successful within the creative industry. The programme really inspired me overall and has allocated exposure into critical thinking by innovating my own ideas into pursuing next possible pathways. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for TICE. I can’t thank the team enough for everything they provided. It’s an incredible opportunity to participate and gain further access, exploring content and context but learning to promote your work. It has gave me so much hope, freedom, resilience and fellowship to be who I want to be!”

You can find out more about Megan's experience by checking out the video below!

SCHOOL: Longbenton High School
GRADUATED: BA(Hons) Film and Broadcast Production at London Metropolitan University
CURRENTLY: Freelance in TV as a Camera Assistant, Data Wrangler/Junior Digital Imaging Technician. Also freelance in Social Media/Marketing as a Self-Shooter/Videographer & Editor/Animator.

“TICE was my first opportunity to explore visual creativity through film/video. Without this opportunity, at such a critical time in my life, I would not be where I am today. Since completing my TICE course, I’ve gone on to graduate from university with First Class Honours, and have worked on productions for the likes of Netflix, Sky and BBC. I have had a film I co-wrote and directed shown at the BFI at London’s iconic Southbank, and also worked with international brands such as Doritos, Tommy Hilfiger & Calvin Klein. TICE gave me the confidence to go out and make a career out of what I love!"

SCHOOL: Whitley Bay High School
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) in Fashion at Northumbria University
CURRENTLY: Senior Assistant Menswear Designer at ASOS.

“TICE is a great opportunity to spend time learning new skills whilst doing something you’re passionate about. You will have the opportunity to work alongside mentors who are currently working in the industry and are able to transfer their knowledge first-hand. Working with other schools will also allow you to socialise and become confident working outside your comfort zone. I definitely recommend taking part in TICE if you want a head start in a creative career!”

SCHOOL: Burnside College
GRADUATED: BA (Hons) in Music Performance (Vocals) at the Academy of Contemporary Music
CURRENTLY: Lead singer of alternative metal band XERO.

“I think it’s so rare at such a young age to meet people in the creative industry that have such a vast knowledge of their field and are so willing and enthusiastic with their advice and feedback. As I did not sing much before TICE, it really boosted my confidence as a singer and as a performer. Most of all, I’d say it helped me to realise how much I loved music and that doing it as a career is actually something that can be achieved, if you’re willing to put the work in.”

SCHOOL: Marden High School
CURRENTLY: Studying BA (Hons) Fashion Communication at Northumbria University.

“TICE boosted my confidence and encouraged me to pursue my interests in a fun and creative way. TICE provided me with valuable insight into the different areas within the fashion industry, showing me possible career paths and that there’s more to fashion than just design. TICE inspired me to pursue fashion graphics and photography with lecturers who have been successful within the industry. Having TICE on my personal statement allowed me to stand out from the crowd and gain a place on my dream University course.”