Tech firm gives students taste of broadcasting

Colin's background in technology education has helped develop the media skills of students at Edinburgh Napier University. Photo: Colin Gray

It may only be a fledgling company, but with several years in technology education behind him, founder and director of The Podcast Host Colin Gray is aiming to spread the word about the benefits of podcasting to the young media professionals of the future.

The company founder, who produces podcasts and develops online education courses, also offers a scholarship which aims to encourage students to run their own podcast project.

Colin said: “We’re taking applications until December, and once that closes the winner will get £400 funding and ongoing support from us in making their project a reality.

“It’ll hopefully help with employability, but we also want to stimulate the new media scene in Scotland and get more people putting out exciting and innovative work.”

The decision to provide educational opportunities for students was in part inspired by Colin’s background as an e-learning specialist with Edinburgh Napier University. During his near-six year time with the university, Colin helped lecturers learn how to confidently use technology to teach more effectively.

Once Colin had learnt his craft, he taught courses on podcasting in education before starting The Podcast Host in September this year.

Colin said: “We’ve been quite involved in education so far. We’re offering work experience for radio students, and have two right now who are just starting on a six-month project with us. We give them training and workplace experience which should hopefully help them a lot in future.”

Colin Gray of The Podcast Host is running a scholarship that will see one lucky student bag £400 towards their very own podcast project. Photo: Colin Gray

The entrepreneur has also recently completed a PhD in Online Education, after having run the business on a part-time basis during his study.

Away from the enterprising youth aspects of the business, The Podcast Host also offers podcast tuition and creation services for businesses and individuals who wish to broaden their audience reach.

After being awarded an Enterprise Fellowship over the summer, the business looks set to expand both its team of staff and customer base. Asides from these aims, Colin has another lighthearted goal in mind:

“My aim is to simply create more podcast listeners in the UK! Podcasts have changed lives in so many ways.

“They let you learn on the move, and can entertain as well as inform. I want to tell as many people as possible how to listen and take back the wasted time in their lives, such as commuting, ironing and waiting in queues!”