UK’S First TV Production Apprenticeship Offered In Northwest

Some of the biggest names in TV are offering twenty Northwest young people a unique opportunity - to break into the business and work behind the scenes of the broadcasting industry.
Production companies including the BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures and Red have joined forces to back the ground-breaking initiative – the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.
"This is the first time a TV production apprenticeship programme has been created specifically for the media industry, and it’s wonderful that Northwest young people will be the first to take advantage of this fantastic new opportunity," said Lynne McCadden, Managing Director of Northwest Vision + Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries to grow a world-class media economy in the region.
The Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production is open to 16-22-year-olds, living in the Northwest, and is designed specifically for people who wouldn’t usually get the chance to break into TV.
Applicants don't need to have GCSE Maths or English, but should be able to work at that level. Anyone who already has a Level 3 qualification, or equivalent, is not eligible to apply. Graduates are also not eligible to apply.
"We believe that talent isn’t about where you live or skin colour, educational achievements, gender or any number of other irrelevant factors," says Lynne, who together with Skillset, BECTU and the Learning and Skills Council, helped devise the apprenticeships.
With the BBC’s plan to move five London departments to Salford’s new mediacity:uk, there’s never been a more exciting time to think about working in the media industry. Business is booming in the Northwest, says Lynne McCadden.
"However, it’s only by having a wide range of people, from different backgrounds and experiences, to work in the media industry that we’ll be able to make sure there’s enough exciting, entertaining, engaging output for everyone," McCadden added.
The 18-month Programme, which will run from September 2007 through to June 2009, will offer 16-22-year-olds the chance to develop core skills in TV production, with story telling and audiences at the heart of all the work they do.
Each apprentice will be paid an allowance, in addition to receiving training and all the experience needed to kick-start their career in the industry. In addition, participants will be able to gain a Level 3 qualification while training.
Apprentices will work across a range of companies such as All Out Productions, BBC, Centini, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures, Objective North, Red and Sumners.
The first three months of the scheme will be spent in college, getting trainees prepared for their first work placement, during which time they’ll complete the industry induction certificate.
As the Media Production Apprenticeship vacancies are not being advertised in the press or on the internet, anyone interested in applying should contact their local Connexions centre if aged between 16-19. Applicants aged 20-22 should contact their local Jobcentre Plus.
All appointments must be made before Monday June 25, in order for applications to be processed before the closing date of Friday June 29. Successful applicants will be invited to a selection day, with the final twenty apprentices chosen by Friday August 17. The Programme will start in September.
(DS)