Podcast Project connects the University and the local community
Yr Egin has launched a new, creative and exciting podcast project, offering adults over the age of 18 a unique opportunity to learn how to plan, record and edit podcasts, as well as create and present a live radio show, all within their local communities.
This project, which is part of the work of the University’s Widening Access team, aims to highlight the creative and practical opportunities available through the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, with Yr Egin’s team bridging the gap between the university and the local community, through the medium of Welsh. It is an opportunity to develop new skills, and support adults to consider further steps in education and learning. The scheme also builds on the strong relationship that already exists between the University and the people of Carmarthen and the surrounding area.
Llinos Jones, Canolfan S4C Yr Egin Project Engagement Manager, said:
“The University is an integral part of the community in Carmarthen, and we are delighted to be able to offer such experiences that support the development of practical skills, encourage creativity, and open new doors for local people to see what higher education can offer them.”
Over a four-week period, 15 members will visit Yr Egin to take part in fun, practical and creative sessions. During these sessions, they will develop sound production skills, storytelling and presenting radio and podcast content. The learning experience will be shaped by the participants’ own interests, ensuring that the content is relevant, inspiring and engaging.
The sessions are led by Marc Griffiths, Owner of Stiwdio Box and one of Yr Egin’s tenants. He said:
“By leading sessions on creating, presenting and editing podcasts and radio programmes under the University’s widening access scheme, I’m seeing first-hand how transformative it is to give people from our communities a voice. These opportunities not only develop creative skills and confidence, but also show people that their stories, experiences and perspectives are valuable and relevant in higher education. This work is an important step towards creating fairer, more inclusive access, and strengthening the relationship between the University and the wider community.”
As many of the attendees were interested in rallying, it was decided to use rallying as a central theme for the project. At the moment, there is no Welsh podcast that focuses on rallying, and so this scheme fills an obvious gap, and the demand for contributing and developing new and relevant Welsh content
Ceris Mair is one of those who attends the sessions. She said:
“I’m excited to learn how a podcast can grow from a simple idea to a finished broadcast that serves a community.
“To see this process happen within a Welsh language environment led by Marc, the community and UWTSD, is something I’m really looking forward to”
Another who has benefited from the experience is Euros Evans. He said:
“The sessions so far have been extremely interesting. The sessions are very clear in terms of becoming familiar with technology, and emphasising how important sound is, by making use of the different types of microphones.
“I’m looking forward to the upcoming sessions as there’s an opportunity to learn how to edit our interviews in order to create a youtube channel – and I’m also looking forward to interviewing local rally drivers, and hopefully having the opportunity to do podcast interviews with our heroes in the old Motoring News championship.”
As well as building creative and technical skills, the MEDR-funded project, which is supported by the University’s Widening Access scheme, also offers participants the opportunity to get to know the University. They will be introduced to campus and learn more about the courses available, including part-time courses, BA and MA degrees.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas
Principal Communications and PR Officer
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: lowri.thomas@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 07449 998476