On 22nd November 2006 the School of Printing and Publishing at the London College of Communication (LCC) held an award ceremony for Sammia Rafique to celebrate her acceptance onto the traineeship/MA hosted by publisher Serpent's Tail and the LCC.

The event brought together representatives from Arts Council England, DipNet, LCC, Colman Getty and Serpent's Tail: a broad turn-out which reflects the unique nature of this traineeship programme. Set up as part of the strategic initiative under section 37 of the Race Relations Act (1976) the traineeship aims to address the under-representation of BME groups in the publishing field by providing personal and skills development to start and sustain a career in the UK publishing industry.

Introducing the event, Senior Lecturer and MA Publishing Course Director Desmond O'Rourke congratulated Sammia on attaining the place, and emphasised the LCC's commitment to diversity. As a case in point, he drew everyone's attention to the spread laid on by the college, which contained an extraordinary combination of sweets and savouries, and which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Before posing for photographs with her award, Sammia expressed her gratitude in being awarded the place, and assured all that she would be making the most of the opportunity.

The Traineeship
The award comprises of three elements. First, the trainee is sponsored by the School of Printing & Publishing at the LCC to study for the MA Publishing course from October 2006 to September 2007. Second, from January 2007, the trainee is sponsored by Serpent's Tail to undertake a period of work experience over six months. Third, the Arts Council England manages the traineeship over the period. This links the trainee into its network of other diversity trainees in other publishing houses and to the Diversity in Publishing Network who organise an external mentorship. Arts Council England supports the trainee with a bursary throughout the period of work experience.

See Sammia's profile here: http://www.diversityinpublishing.com/Careers-In-Publishing/Case-Studies/Trainee-LCC-Serpents-Tail

For more information about the PAT scheme visit www.artscouncil.org.uk/publishing