Keeley Scothern

1. What made you decide to apply for your trainee position on the Northern Routes Training Scheme?
The TV industry is notoriously difficult to get into. I found out about the scheme through a Screen Yorkshire networking event and it sounded perfect, exactly the sort of thing I had been looking for. The opportunity to get on the job training in the costume department whilst meeting people in the industry who can pass on their own experience is
invaluable. Training schemes such as this one are so hard to come by, this placement really is like gold dust.

2. Please give a brief outline of your previous experience, related to this training position.
I graduated from University last year with a degree in costume, set and props, specialising in costume, before that I studied fashion. Whilst on the course I had opportunities to work on various live projects in carnival and theatre. Since graduating I volunteered at the Leeds Art Centre in the wardrobe department sourcing, designing and making
costumes.

3. There were nearly 500 applications for 22 places across the North of England, how did it feel to be chosen?
I was ecstatic and in complete shock as I really hadn't expected to get an interview never mind to be chosen. I feel extremely privileged to be one of the trainees and finding out that so many people had applied made me feel more confident in my abilities.

4. What have you been up to so far on your placement?
For the most part I have been learning about continuity so I have been present for when the background artists come in and the supervisor chooses their various changes throughout the day. I then make sure in between takes that the costumes remain exactly the same. I have been working in the costume truck, cleaning and maintaining the costumes.

5. What's been the best bit(s)?
Being on set and learning first hand from some excellent dressers. I never expected to have any sort of responsibility but actually being accountable for the supporting artists' continuity has been a rewarding challenge. It's amazing the amount of things you have to be aware of.

6. What are your long term career aims and how do you feel this scheme will help you achieve them?
To continue building upon my skills in order to gain experience and further advance my career within costume. I would love, in the future, to be involved with period dramas and film and eventually achieve my dream to become a costume designer. This scheme has given me the much needed preverbal foot in the door, it is an excellent opportunity for
personal development and my skills have improved, not just in costume but in areas like networking and etiquette.