By Nick Sheridan

This Apprenticeship is an exciting example of how vocational training can provide access to new industries. It is also a fantastic way for employers to tap into new creative talent to help their businesses grow, while playing an active role in shaping the Creative Media professionals of the future.

Skillset is calling on employers and young people in the region to take advantage of this opportunity to be involved in the development of the next generation of media professionals.

Gloucestershire-based filmmakers, Halo Films are one of the first local media companies to join the scheme, which provides a 21st century twist on the old apprenticeship model and will change the way young people find their way into a media career. They are seeking a digitally-savvy new entrant, ideally a recent school or college leaver, to join their company for the next 12 months. This Apprenticeship will combine work with this exciting young production company that specialises in documentary and factual programming with educational training, all while earning a basic wage. By the end of the programme the apprentice will have learned the technical and creative knowledge and skills needed to build a career in the industry.

Halo’s founder, Peter Georgi, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for the right young person to fast-track their way into the media industry without having to move to London.

“As a Halo apprentice, they will learn about all aspects of our business – not just of production, but also what is needed to run an independent media company in the current environment.”

Swindon-based graphic design firm Hot Pepper has also joined the pilot, looking for a junior graphic designer to join their company as an apprentice.

Halo and Hot Pepper join Plymouth-based media company Twofour, and the BBC in Bristol as some of the first companies to have committed to taking on apprentices as part of the pilot programme (case study of one of the Twofour apprentices attached).

Skillset chief executive, Dinah Caine, said: “This Skillset Apprenticeship is an exciting and innovative new way for young people to enter the Creative Media Industries. Not only will these apprentices be learning the most relevant and up-to-date skills in their chosen roles, they will also be assisting in the growth of businesses, forging valuable networks within the industry, and earning a wage while they do it.”

Employers wanting to find out more about the Apprenticeship programme should email Alison Bown: alisonb@skillset.org, and prospective apprentices should visit www.skillset.org/swapprenticeship.

About the author and Skillset

Nick Sheridan is press and PR officer for Skillset, the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media, with responsibility for 60 per cent of the UK Creative Industries. This comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion and textiles. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenges by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.