Film, TV and radio
Training in the film, TV & radio sector of the creative media industries is overseen by the Sector Skills Council, Creative Skillset and delivered by a range of partner Skillset Academies and also training providers large and small, including equipment providers, associations, guilds and trade unions.
In this section you will find links to the best providers, to funding and subsidies and to places where you can find out more information.
New Entrant Training
We advise everyone starting out in the creative industries to beware of working as an unpaid volunteer - often seen as the only way into work. Increasingly, there are training schemes and placements that give you experience, networks and an income, so please check carefully.
There are a number of 'new entrant' pathways into the audio-visual sectors:
- Industry supported new entrant schemes - these are limited and being replaced by apprenticeships
- Creative Apprenticeships sponsored by Creative Skillset and numerous employers
- Runners schemes - unstructured and non-accredited apprenticeships
- The Creative Skillset Technical & Craft Skills Academy
Film Craft & Technical Trainees Advanced apprenticeship in Creative & Digital Media Vision & Media Info on being a production runner
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
CPD is a broad term encompassing courses, workshops, work-based learning and anything that contributes to knowledge and skills. Those who are employed should be able to access training and development with their employer, but this can be inconsistent. Freelance and casual workers are often responsible for their own CPD, including paying for it. A complex system of training has developed in the audio-visual sector, with the result that training can be expensive and of variable quality.
A key starting point for all enquiries is Creative Skillset which is the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media.
BBC Academy BECTU course finder and provider database Moving Image Training Alliance (MITA) Creative Skillset Skillset course finder
Joint Industry Grading Schemes
A number of key craft areas in film and TV are covered by special grading schemes that require evidence of experience and qualifications before people can be employed in the grade. The schemes are jointly administered by BECTU, BBC, EQUITY, ITV and PACT.
In particular, safety-relevant grades are included within the various JIGS schemes. Current Jigs schemes include SFX, Riggers & Scaffolders, Grips & Crane Technicians.