By Gregory David

The Skillset-funded scheme will give trainees the chance to develop their skills and cultivate strong networks within the industry by placing them on film productions for between four to 18 weeks at a time. The scheme is being delivered by the Ealing Institute of Media and will be integrated into the Skillset Craft and Technical Academy when it is established in early 2011.

Skillset’s director of film, Neil Peplow, said: “This £150,000 programme is an integral part of Skillset’s A Bigger Future 2 strategy for raising skill levels in the UK film industry. When we devised the strategy last year, we made it one of our key aims to build up the depth of talent in priority areas such as craft and technical. We are confident that this scheme will do just that.”

Skillset is seeking up to ten trainees in the following seven categories: camera/lighting; wardrobe; hair and make-up; editing; animation; runners; and grips.

To be eligible for this scheme trainees must have either worked in the film industry for less than 12 months, or have graduated from a Skillset Film, Media or Screen Academy or completed a Skillset-supported New Entrant training programme in the past 18 months.

All productions who have access to the trainees will be contributors to the Skills Investment Fund (SIF), which is a training levy on films wholly or partially produced in the UK that is used to directly support the next generation of filmmaking talent through programmes such as this.

Skillset is working to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to move onwards and upwards in the UK film industry. The Film Craft and Technical Scheme aims to nurture and develop new talent from diverse backgrounds so that the best people, regardless of background or situation, can establish a career in the UK Film industry.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on 31st January. To apply for a place on the Film Craft and Technical Trainee Placement Scheme, or for more information, visit: http://skillset.org/film/training_and_events/article_8080_1.asp.

About the author and Skillset

Gregory David is Careers Information Co-ordinator at 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.