Why it matters: The partnership gives learners real-life opportunities to work with industry professionals at least three times a year, providing valuable experience on professional television productions.
The details: Jimmy Doherty, the owner of Jimmy's Farm, became an industry partner of the college last year. As part of this agreement, students have been invited to filming days for his latest ITV series, which is currently being filmed in Suffolk.
Rock Oyster Media, the Plymouth-based production company behind the show, welcomed the students to gain experience of working on a television set.
What they're saying: Ed Curtis, 18, from Ipswich, is on a level three creative media production course at Suffolk New College. He said: "I've been on the set twice. I've been a runner – doing everything I'm asked. Making tea, helping create sets and learning from the crew. You feel part of the team and it's a good learning experience and you feel like you are contributing. It's giving me the skills I need to make an impression in industry."
Damola Odelabu, 20, from Ipswich, is also on the level three creative media production course at the college. He said: "My eyes were opened by being on set. I didn't realise how much went into such a big production. I'm hoping to get another opportunity (in the future)."
Abi Finch, 20, from Martlesham, is on a level four creative media course. She said: "I was thrown right into my work experience. It helped me make connections."
Katy Black, a media lecturer at Suffolk New College who won a BAFTA for a film she worked on called Evicted, said: "Jimmy is one of the industry partners and we met up with him to see how our media students could potentially work with him. He mentioned that Rock Oyster Media – a Plymouth based production company – have been commissioned by ITV to make Jimmy and Shivi's Farmhouse Breakfast.
"We asked if our students can get involved and they have subsequently been across to where the programme is created. We are really lucky to be involved and everyone has been very happy with the impression our students have made. It's been invaluable. Thanks to Jimmy and Rock Oyster Media for this amazing opportunity."
Neil Edwards, Rock Oyster Media executive producer, said: "We were delighted to welcome students from Suffolk New College to the set of Jimmy and Shivi's Farmhouse Breakfast. Their energy, enthusiasm, commitment and tea-making(!) were impressive and very much appreciated. We hope they found the experience illuminating and inspiring and wish them the brightest of futures."
Jimmy Doherty said: "Working with Suffolk New College means we can inspire the next generation of creative talent and give them real opportunities to learn from professionals. It's fantastic to see the students getting stuck in and building the skills and confidence they'll need for their future careers."
What's next: Other opportunities coming up for students include a micro-drama with the police, brand photography and a documentary about the college basketball team called The Ramsproject. The college is also about to do a big podcasting series related to the challenges facing young men.
Jimmy and Shivi's Farmhouse Breakfast series one and two is available on ITVX now. Series three will hit screens in 2026.
The bottom line: The partnership between Suffolk New College, Jimmy Doherty and Rock Oyster Media is providing local media students with invaluable hands-on experience working on professional television productions, helping to prepare them for future careers in the industry.
