ALBY Gillis grew up with a camera in his hand.
The year 12 Emmaus College student’s life-long passion for media led him to become the Metropolitan Queensland School-based Trainee of the Year after completing a Certificate III in Screen and Media on June 8.
Mr Gillis learned script writing, news writing, interview skills, camera skills and how to present in a studio during his traineeship with the 98.9FM radio station.
The South Maclean student worked with the Brisbane Media Indigenous Association to raise awareness of health issues.
Mr Gillis said the highlight was proving he could perform independently as a media professional.
“I presented live on air with no-one else in the studio. I got to make whatever content I wanted, I could say what I wanted and play the music I wanted. That was incredible,” Mr Gillis said.
“I got partnerships with ABC, NITV and SBS. Now I can network with different people I know in different services and I have that hands-on experience.”
Mr Gillis said his passion for media would never die.
“For years I had a camera in my hand as a little kid,” he said.
“I am a photographer by hobby and love doing portraits and landscapes…I would love to get into podcasting.”
He said he was honoured to win the award which would put him in a good position to pursue further opportunities.
Mr Gillis intends to study broadcast media and Film and TV at Griffith University before competing for an ABC cadetship to launch his career.
He will join 10 other metropolitan Queensland trainers, trainees and apprentices at the Queensland Training Awards State Gala Dinner on September 8 in Brisbane.
