MG ALBA is investing in the next generation of talent in the Western Isles with the appointment of four new trainees who will develop their careers at the organisation’s Stornoway base over the next two years.
The new starts will gain hands-on experience and structured training across a range of departments, building specialist skills in digital media archiving, scheduling and media coordination, finance, and broadcast technology and IT.
Donna MacDonald, Lena Mackenzie, Calum Macleod and Seumas Calum Murray MacLeod have all secured appointments.
The appointments form part of MG ALBA’s commitment to creating meaningful training and employment opportunities in the Western Isles, allowing people to develop specialist skills and build careers within Gaelic media while remaining in, or returning to, the islands.
Lorna Macaulay, Director of People, Partnerships and Development with MG ALBA said: “We’re delighted to welcome Donna, Lena, Calum and Seamus to MG ALBA. Creating opportunities for people to learn, develop and build sustainable careers here in the Western Isles is hugely important to us.
“These traineeships will give each of them valuable experience across key areas of the organisation, while helping us develop the skills and talent that will support Gaelic media into the future.
“We want people to see that there are exciting and skilled career opportunities available here in the islands, and we look forward to supporting all four trainees over the next two years.”
Donna MacDonald, Digital Media Archivist Trainee, said: “I’m so grateful to have secured this opportunity to receive specialist training in a subject I enjoy so much. It's so rewarding to be able to develop my skills whilst also getting to work with MG ALBA’s valuable and historically important archive of film.”
Lena Mackenzie, Scheduling & Media Co-Ordinator Trainee, said: “The traineeship has already given me so many different opportunities. I’m learning the fast-paced world of media, whilst earning a wage and getting to develop my skills including my Gaelic. I’m very grateful to get this opportunity.”
Calum Macleod, Finance Trainee, said: “I was delighted to get the opportunity to work at MG ALBA, particularly within the finance department, as it’s an area I really wanted to work in. It also gives me the chance to develop my Gaelic in a professional setting. Everyone has been extremely welcoming and helpful, and I’m excited about my future here.”
Seamus Calum Murray MacLeod, Broadcast & IT Trainee, said: “After spending several years in Glasgow and England for study and work, I felt a strong pull to return home to the ancestral island where I spent my childhood and formative years. Although it may have looked like leaving behind progress made on the mainland, resetting my life and career here felt far more valuable to me as a native islander.
“The apprenticeship with MG ALBA gives me the chance to build new skills, contribute to Gaelic media while reconnecting with the language and place that have always been part of who I am. Gaelic has always been present in my life, but returning to fluency is also a personal challenge; one that matters deeply. Being able to learn and work in an environment where the language is valued is a great opportunity and I am thankful it is provided.”
