Trainee Broadcast Assistant Cerys Maidment talks about starting her apprenticeship scheme at Times Radio, the importance of resilience and voicing a Dear Deirdre submission.

We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the working day: so what was on the menu this morning?

I tend to go for the very complex dish of semi-skimmed milk and whatever cereal I can find in the back of my cupboard. Getting the right quantity of milk is a real skill- no one wants to start the day off with soggy Fruit and Fibre!

Sum up what you do at News UK in the shortest sentence possible.

I’m a Trainee Broadcast Assistant at Times Radio.

Lay a bit of context on that?

So far as a trainee and member of the apprenticeship scheme, I’ve been pitching ideas for the drive-time show (including an exclusive on the impact of COVID on Morris dancing), booking guests and just being helpful wherever I can. 

My new claim to fame is that I voiced one of the submissions for last week’s Dear Deirdre.

What attracted you to the role in the first place?

I saw the apprenticeship scheme at Times Radio as a great way to start my career in broadcast journalism, to learn from journalists that I’ve always admired and to gain an invaluable insight into the daily runnings of a national radio station. 

Although I’ve still got a lot to learn, I’ve been enjoying these last few weeks and I can’t wait to see where the next two years will take me. 

What’s the most interesting/challenging part of your job?

No days are the same. In one afternoon I can go from speaking to the Bagman of the national Morris dancing Ring, to trying to bid for an interview with the French Interior Minister. 

I love speaking to so many people and hearing their opinions on a range of topics.

What are the three most important things on your working agenda today?

I’m currently at college starting my NCTJ qualification so the top three things on my list are buying all the textbooks I’ll be needing, reading up on my IPSO and OFCOM regulations and getting my head around the exam timetables.

Last book, film, binge watch and sounds you consumed?

I recently finished the book, Panic as Man Burns Crumpets: The Vanishing World of the Local Journalist by Roger Lytollis. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the new Channel 4 drama Deceit. 

Finally, I’ve been loving the latest album from Little Simz, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. 

Who is your role model? And why?

I like to take inspiration from a lot of different people in my life: my family, teachers, close friends and past colleagues. I’ve learnt a lot from those around me and that they’ve all helped to shape me into the person I am today.

What is your most treasured possession?

My most treasured possession is a drawing that one of my closest friends did of our favourite pub in Edinburgh.

We all went to university together in the Scottish capital and although I’m very lucky to have been gifted other amazing pieces of her work over the years, I can’t help but look at this one and smile because of all the good memories.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

Miranda Hart. Not only are we similar in height but also in dexterity, movement and just general clumsiness.

Last holiday destination? And why?

Glasgow.

You’ve won ten million on the Lottery – what do you do?

I would buy a flat in The Shard so I wouldn’t have to commute to work in the mornings.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

I’m a big believer in the idea that life is short – and you never know what’s going to happen.  

So I try to grasp every opportunity that I can, give it my all and be grateful for good people and good times.

What one bit of advice would you give someone wanting to do your job?

To be resilient. A lot of time, effort and job applications go into getting your foot in the door. Once you succeed, you’ve got to make sure that you’re a team player, that you come in every day with fresh ideas and that you roll with the punches. 

Tell us something not many people know about you…?

I’m allergic to guinea pigs.

Who would be your three Fantasy Dinner Party guests? And why?

Louis Theroux – he would have so many good stories to entertain the table with. 

German actress and fashion icon Marlene Dietrich – she’s an idol of mine and she had a very turbulent life that I would love to ask her all about. 

Captain Sandy from my favourite reality TV show, Below Deck Mediterranean. A female yacht captain in a male-dominated industry and a life at sea would make for a great dinner conversation. Plus, all the gossip about the rich and famous people she’s had on board.