Media Apprenticeships on Offer

AFTER some of the biggest names in broadcasting came together to offer 20 Northwest young people a fabulous opportunity to break into the business, the decision has been taken to run a second Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production.

Now even more 16-22-year-olds will get the chance to take their first steps on the media career ladder, after the un-precedented success of the ground-breaking initiative – the first of its kind anywhere in the UK.

Major companies including the BBC, ITV Granada, Lime Pictures, Channel M and Sumners will again join forces alongside smaller companies such as Flix Facilities, Channel K and Mange2Media to back the scheme, giving young people the chance to work behind the scenes of the broadcasting industry.

“When we launched the scheme last summer, it was the first time a production apprenticeship programme had been created specifically for the media industry, so we were unsure how it would be received,” explains David Longworth, Apprentices Training Manager for Northwest Vision and Media, which works on behalf of the region’s film, TV, radio and digital content industries.

“The response to the Apprenticeships has been phenomenal, and the feedback we’ve received from everyone concerned has been so positive, that we’re delighted to be offering the scheme for a second year,” adds David.

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 broadcasting.

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.

“The scheme represents the growing belief in the media industry that talent isn’t about where you live or skin colour, educational achievements, gender or background,” says David, who together with the BBC, Skillset and the Learning and Skills Council, helped devise the apprenticeships, and continues to mentor the first Apprentices, who will complete their 18-month scheme in April 2009.

The second 18-month Programme will begin in September 2008 and will run until March 2010, with each apprentice 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 the BBC, ITV Granada, Sumners, Lime Pictures, 3Sixty Media, Channel M, Flix Facilities, Channel K, Mange2Media, October Films North, and Red Production Company.

“The apprenticeship will develop skills and abilities in various production roles, as well as allowing the trainees to learn about all areas of the media industry,” explains David. “Apprentices will also develop invaluable contacts and a wealth of practical experience across a range of different broadcasting companies.”

At the end of the scheme, it’s hoped the apprentices will be the next generation of industry talent. “There are no guarantees, but once the scheme ends the trainees will have acquired all the skills and experience they need to secure work in their chosen part of the media industry,” says David.

· Details of how to apply for the 2008/10 Advanced Apprenticeship in Media Production will be available soon. Please check back for more details here.