Valleys college learner lands role working on hit Netflix series

A creative college learner from south Wales is set to spend her summer working on the set of a hit Netflix series after impressing industry bosses with her costume creations.

22-year-old Jaye Wakely, from Bridgend, who is currently studying a course in costume construction at Coleg y Cymoedd, has bagged herself a placement working on the second season of popular Netflix teen drama, ‘Sex Education.’

Taking place over three months, the placement will see Jaye assist the show’s costume department in sourcing and preparing costumes for cast members. She will also be responsible for making quick alterations to garments ready for filming.

The talented learner, who hopes to pursue a career within costume for TV and film in the future, applied for the placement to gain more experience within the costume for screen sector.

Speaking about the experience, Jaye said:

“It’s so exciting to be a part of such a big and popular show. While I’ve only just started my placement, I have already learnt so much. The opportunity is giving me practical experience of costume construction as well as a great insight into what it’s like to work in the TV industry, which is very fast paced. 

“The costume team, along with the whole crew, have made me feel very welcome and I’m really enjoying working with them on set all day, every day. Working behind the scenes on a filmset is really interesting and teaching me a lot – it’s great to be learning while on the set of such a highly regarded show.”

‘Sex Education’ tells the story of a socially awkward teenager whose mother, played by Hollywood star Gillian Anderson, is a sex therapist. Filmed in various locations across Wales, including Newport, Monmouthshire and the former campus of the University of South Wales, the series has provided a number of work experience and job opportunities for Welsh students in the creative industries.

For Jaye, the experience is her first industry employment outside of education. She added:

“In the future, I’d love to work in a job creating costumes and dressing for screen, as making and constructing costumes is something I really enjoy. I’m so thankful to have secured this opportunity to work on Sex Education through my course as it’s provided me with amazing, invaluable industry experience straight out of college.”

Coleg y Cymoedd’s two-year foundation costume construction course, which is delivered in partnership with the University of South Wales, aims to give learners a thorough introduction to costume construction within the industries of theatre and film. The college also offers a 1-year BA (Hons) top up Costume Construction course.

To find out more about the Costume Construction for Screen and Stage courses available at Coleg y Cymoedd, please visit – https://www.cymoedd.ac.uk/costumeconstruction