Pact & DiVA create 80 UK apprenticeships via Kickstart Scheme

Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out

The Kickstart Scheme, run by UK screen trade association Pact and media apprenticeships provider DiVA, has created 80 industry placements for young people.

The UK-based initiative, which is part of the UK government’s Plan For Jobs, aims to create six-month work placements for young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Pact and DiVA partnered this year to bring young people into the industry via the scheme and are working with 52 UK indie production and distribution companies who are taking on apprenticeships – some of whom have already begun their on-the-job training.

Participants range from new start-ups to large indies across the UK, including It’s A Sin producers Red Production Company; The Big Narstie Show producers Expectation Entertainment; and Jesy Nelson: Odd One Out producers, October Films.

Nathan Peachey, director of finance and business affairs at October Films, commented “This scheme has been a brilliant way of recruiting young talent we may not otherwise have accessed. DiVA simplified the kickstart application and ensured the process ran smoothly.”

Pact’s head of diversity and inclusion, Anjani Patel, added: “We are delighted that so many Pact members have decided to get involved in the Scheme. With the Government funding 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, it’s an excellent opportunity for indies of all sizes to offer young talent a first step into the industry or the chance to gain more experience.”