NFTS Scotland, in collaboration with BBC Studioworks and QTV, is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting new 12-month paid trainee programme, set to commence in August 2023. Following the resounding success of the Multi-Camera TV Conversion programme in 2022 which supported the expansion of Scotland’s entertainment sector, this transformative initiative will provide another exceptional opportunity for six aspiring craftspeople to become skilled crew working within the thriving Scottish television industry.
The ground-breaking Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme is being launched in partnership with funders Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council, further emphasising their commitment to nurturing talent and driving growth in the Scottish creative sector.
Applications are currently open until midnight on Sunday 25 June.
The Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme will offer a comprehensive and immersive experience, equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the dynamic world of television production. The selected trainees will embark on a transformative journey, benefiting from the expertise and industry-leading facilities of BBC Studioworks and QTV, coupled with the guidance and support of NFTS Scotland. The traineeship will commence with a three-week multi-camera training course, with one week in Glasgow and two weeks spent at the National Film and Television School’s state-of-the-art television studio in Beaconsfield.
The placement grants the trainees the unique opportunity to gain hands on experience in high-end studio productions at BBC Studioworks new facilities in Kelvin Hall. They will also delve into a diverse range of major live sporting events such as SPFL and Scottish Rugby, music and corporate operations at QTV’s leading Baillieston facilities as well as gaining real time experience at BBC Scotland, BBC Studioworks and clients and River City.
“We are delighted to partner with BBC Studioworks and QTV to launch the innovative Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme" commented Alison Goring, Head of NFTS Scotland. "By combining the resources and expertise of BBC Studioworks, QTV and NFTS Scotland, we are creating a unique opportunity for trainees to develop their skills, gain hands-on experience and unlock their full potential. We are proud to work in collaboration with the programme’s funders Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council to further bolster the growth and success of Scotland’s creative sector.”
Throughout the programme, trainees will be exposed to a wide range of technical roles and industry practices, including multi-camera studio production and outside broadcast. This comprehensive approach will enable them to acquire a versatile skill set, preparing them for the evolving demands of the television industry.
The Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme will run from August 2023, offering successful applicants a unique chance to immerse themselves in the world of television production for a period of twelve months. Trainees will benefit from a paid position aligned with industry standards, providing financial stability during their training and development.
Applicants with prior experience in the screen industries or transferable skills from compatible sectors are encouraged to apply. The trainee programme aims to attract individuals who demonstrate passion, creativity and a drive to excel in the TV industry.
Steven Little, Screen Scotland’s Head of Production said: “This new collaboration between QTV, BBC Studioworks, Screen Scotland, Glasgow City Council and NFTS Scotland will unlock another layer of career development opportunities for freelance crew looking to work in outside broadcast and studio production in Scotland.
“Film and TV production in Scotland continues to enjoy incredible growth, thanks largely to the opening of new studios across the country since 2018. The Kelvin Hall Entertainment Studio in Glasgow was a significant milestone for our sector, unlocking growth in entertainment, comedy and quiz show production from Scotland. From the start BBC Studioworks, operators of the Kelvin Hall studio, have demonstrated their commitment to Scotland by investing in training provision and collaborating with local companies and training providers.”
Lucy Lake, QTV’s Director of People and Purpose, said: “We have been faced with a skills shortage in many areas of the broadcast technology sector and wanted to build a long-term strategy to develop a sustainable and diverse freelance workforce in Scotland. We are so grateful to have had the continuous support of Screen Scotland and NFTS Scotland, and to have partnered with BBC Studioworks to fast track the skills development of already talented people in both studio and outside broadcast. After twelve months, our trainees will be ready to work and experienced enough to join the freelance industry in Scotland.”
Katie Leveson from BBC Studioworks added: "Kelvin Hall's opening in September 2022 symbolized our commitment to fuel Scotland's creative workforce. Through collaboration with QTV, NFTS, and River City, we've established a shared vision about how we want to impact the future of skills and opportunities in Scotland. The Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme represents a new era of training initiatives, where the focus is on creating jobs as well as developing skills. This marks a promising future for production in Glasgow, where the city thrives as a hub of exceptional technical talent in the industry."
The application deadline is midnight on Sunday 25 June. For more information about the trainee programme and to apply, visit nfts.co.uk/scottish-broadcast-training-programme
More information
The Scottish Broadcast Trainee Programme will run from 21 September 2023 to August 2024, following the three-week course at the NFTS from 31 July to 19 August. The placements are a full-time commitment, offering a fixed term contract of 37.5 hours per week with a salary aligned with the Scottish Living Wage.
About the National Film and Television School (NFTS)
The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is a renowned educational institution specialising in film, television and games. Leading the way in creative education for over 50 years and with locations across the UK in Scotland, Wales and Leeds, the NFTS has established itself as one of the most prestigious film schools in the world. Offering an inclusive and diverse learning environment, the School attracts students from all over the globe. It consistently ranks among The Hollywood Reporter’s top international film schools and has been recognised for its excellence in teaching and innovation. The NFTS develops some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent, with graduates going on to win numerous awards, including 14 Oscars and 165 BAFTAs. As a registered charity (313429) the School provides a level playing field for all students, regardless of their background, gender or ethnicity. For more information see nfts.co.uk