WITT developing our next Radio Superstars

Seventeen-year-old Tyrese Epiha has always dreamed of being a radio presenter and his dream job is to host the Taranaki More FM Breakfast Show. Tyrese is currently studying correspondence via Te Kura and attends WITT’s Trade Academy Radio Broadcasting programme.

He is so passionate about getting into radio that he created his own radio station called The Scoop Taranaki, which broadcasts 24/7 from his bedroom.

Tyrese is proud of his whakapapa and Te Atiawa iwi, and his grandma Lyn Hoskin is also an iwi broadcaster. This has provided Tyrese with a focus around representing his whānau well with his mahi.  He says the 30-week WITT course has improved his confidence and given him a strong grounding in the basics of radio announcing.

As part of the programme students also get to run a weekly half-hour show on Access Radio Taranaki 104.4FM, and Tyrese mentioned this has really helped refine his skills.

Tutor Bryan Vickery says it's a thrill seeing young people like Tyrese growing in confidence and creating exciting content.  Currently there are seven radio students in the programme.  "They are a tight knit group and we learn from each other.”  The students also have their laptops and recording mics supplied by WITT.

Bryan a former NZME journalist and radio announcer has more than 20 years in the industry.  He also has a well-known media platform on Facebook which is very community minded.  Bryan says he was delighted when WITT reintroduced the radio course and asked him to be the tutor.  Bryan is also a former English High School teacher and loves working with young people.  "We are learning from one another.  I know a lot about radio presenting, and the students are really strong when it comes to the latest technology."

The WITT Radio programme is ideal for young people who want to learn about communicating, and it's an ideal pathway course for someone with aspirations of doing further study. To find out more phone us on 0800 WITT NZ or email info@witt.ac.nz.