Renowned & Indielab partner to launch apprenticeship scheme

L-R: Mark Raeburn & Victoria Powell

UK-US prodco Renowned Films and TV accelerator programme Indielab have partnered to create 30 apprenticeship placements at indie studios, for young people at risk of long-term unemployment.

The placements will be for people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit – a payment from the UK government to help cover basic living costs – and will be distributed among 25 indies, many of whom have been past participants on the Indielab Accelerator scheme.

Sign-off came this week from the UK government for the initial 30 placements, with the scheme able to now access funding for further apprentices for Indielab companies in future. The employers will offer a six-month placement to individuals and receive funding from the Government’s Kickstarter scheme for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer contributions.

Victoria Powell, CEO of Indielab, said: We are very proud to have created the first Kickstarter scheme to be approved for the UK Indie sector.

“We are pleased to create positive social impact for young unemployed people through these 30 apprenticeships. It’s a huge triumph, and a moment of positivity in an otherwise challenging time for many in the sector.”

Mark Raeburn, MD of Renowned Films, which is behind shows such as Backyard Envy and Copwatch America, added: “The government-backed scheme is an incredibly exciting opportunity for employers to take on more junior staff members with minimal financial risk, which in these challenging times is the only realistic way for companies to take on inexperienced creatives when cashflow is crucial to survival.”