Bradford College

Student Set for TV Stardom...

Bradford College student Natalie Johnson had a taste of international fashion and business when she was selected to take part in the third series of the British Council’s programme IDEATORS, airing now on Sri Lankan television. 

Currently in her final year of the BA (Hons) Fashion Design course, she was working as a fashion intern in London last summer when she was told about the opportunity by her tutor, Curriculum Team Leader for Creative Industries, Pam Brook.

Along with five other UK students and six Sri Lankan students, Natalie was selected in August by the British Council from a massive number of applications.  This programme brings the talented students together to use their creativity and entrepreneurial skills in real-life business situations.The winner will receive a trophy and a trip to the partner country.

The UK participants jetted to Sri Lanka and met the other contestants in Colombo.  Tony Reilly OBE, Country Director for British Council, Sri Lanka, was Head Judge and split the group into two teams.  Over the next 30 days, the teams then had to carry out set tasks relating to design and business. 

The tasks varied from dressing windows to designing furniture, culminating in a five-day challenge in the final.  Contestants were taken on trips to see the sights of Sri Lanka, including an elephant orphanage, Sigiriya fortress and palace, and a white water rafting experience.

Speaking about her experience, Natalie said it was “fantastic”.  “I learned a lot about myself,” Natalie said, “I enjoyed working with people I’ve never worked with before.”

IDEATORS is currently being screened on Sri Lankan television, and is also available to view on YouTube: www.youtube.com/IDEATORS2012