Nathan James. Image: Swinburne
The Commercial Radio & Audio (CRA) regional placement program has achieved its first major success story, with participant Nathan James securing a full-time position at the ACE Radio Network just months after his placement.
Nathan, who participated in the program through Swinburne University’s Bachelor of Media and Communication, has been offered an announcing and creative writing role at ACE Radio’s Deniliquin station after impressing during his placement in Traralgon.
Launched in June this year, the program provides selected Swinburne students with hands-on experience at regional radio stations across Victoria.
CRA provides funding for associated expenses, removing financial barriers for students to access these opportunities.
Current placements are hosted by ACE Radio Network in Traralgon, Horsham, Colac and Wangaratta, with additional locations also available.
Lizzie Young, CEO at CRA, said “Nathan’s success demonstrates the program’s immediate impact. His journey from placement student to employed broadcaster in just a few months perfectly illustrates why this program is so vital. By removing financial barriers and providing real-world experience, we’re creating genuine career pathways in regional radio. This is exactly the outcome we hoped for when we launched the program with Swinburne and ACE Radio.”
Mat Cummins, Group Content Director at ACE Radio Network said “It’s been wonderful to see the confidence grow as the students put their skills into practice, and we hope that many of them now have a clearer pathway into the industry. We’re proud to play a part in helping the next generation of broadcasters take their first steps into radio. These connections are vital – they help us build strong relationships with the next generation of broadcasters and keep our industry thriving into the future.”
Nathan said “It’s been an incredible blessing that I’ve been able to make my dream come true and land that position in the industry. I wouldn’t be where I am now without the connections I made earlier in the year at ACE and the other people I’ve met along the way.”
“None of that would’ve been achievable without Swinburne, in particular Peter Marcato and CRA. I’m so glad I’m taking these first steps with such an amazing company, it’s like I’ve been welcome into one big happy radio family! I feel like living proof that dreams really come true.”