Blast

BBC Blast is a great opportunity to learn what it's like to be a reporter and work for the BBC.

I joined the project in its first year at BBC Cornwall and had the chance to report live on the radio, write interesting stories for the website and meet loads of really interesting people who, like me, were passionate about music, film and entertainment.

Jonathan Ross chats to Alex Full

Cornwall has a thriving local music scene, but at that time it didn't really have a voice so I wanted to try and give it the recognition it deserved. That's the great thing about BBC Blast. You can do what ever you want!

If it's something new, something exciting, something underrepresented - as long as people your age find it interesting then report on it and get it on BBC Blast.

Even if you have little or no experience in reporting there are so many people who'll help you and it’s a great insight into how the BBC operates. Since working at BBC Blast I went on to become a reporter and presenter at BBC Radio Cornwall where I used the skills I learn during blast every day in the newsroom.

Now I'm working as an Assistant Producer at BBC Radio 1 with the likes of Chris Moyles, Scott Mills and Annie & Grimmy on BBC Switch. Even here I'm drawing on my experience at BBC Blast, doing interviews, writing for online, editing, filming and coming up with programme ideas.

A young Alex during his BBC Radio Cornwall days

So if you have the passion, creativity and have a thirst for knowledge, apply for BBC Blast. If you're sitting there thinking why is no one talking about this amazing band/film/project or whatever, then apply for BBC Blast.

You could be the voice for young people just like you in Cornwall, and after BBC Blast…who knows!

You'll have got a taste of what it's like to work in a competitive newsroom and be a part of the BBC. It's what you make of it so grab your notepad and get reporting!