BBC 1Xtra, in partnership with BBC Blast, is giving 22 young people who are not in full-time education, employment or training the opportunity to take over the station's airwaves for a day.
Through the newly-launched U Takeover training scheme the participants, aged between 18 and 24, will spend three months developing their radio and online production skills to deliver a full day of 1Xtra radio and online content on 26 September 2009.
Mentored by 1Xtra producers and DJs, including Trevor Nelson, Target and Rampage, the trainees have been tasked with building an ambitious schedule of music programmes and documentaries for broadcast, including a pre-recorded Maida Vale session.
Andy Parfitt, Controller, 1Xtra, said: "U Takeover is very exciting and means a lot to us.
"The project is part of 1Xtra's ongoing commitment to stimulating creativity and engaging with our audience. We will undoubtedly give participants a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills and experience and it also enables 1Xtra to nurture new fresh talent both on and off air."
Liz Cleaver, Controller, BBC Learning, added: "Education, development and creativity lie at the heart of BBC Learning and this new initiative is a prime example of how the BBC can work together to provide truly exceptional, one of a kind, experiences.”
The project kicked off in July via workshops in each regional BBC centre and will culminate in a two-week placement at 1Xtra in September.
