ScreenSkills to invest $13m in high-end TV training for UK workers

Christine Healy

UK TV skills body ScreenSkills has pledged to invest more than £10m ($13.1m) of industry contributions from its high-end TV skills fund to meet training needs in the sector.

The investment of £10.1m in 2022-23 will be a notable increase in spending from £6.7m this financial year, which has supported 1,400 individuals to move up in their careers, fill shortage grades and develop their professional skills.

The flagship programme Trainee Finder, which offers paid placements for new entrants, will be increased from 120 places to more than 200 including the addition of a new cohort of at least six trainees in virtual production.

Make a Move, which funds stepping up opportunities for crew on productions, will be almost doubled in capacity from £1.1m to £2  to ensure it continues to support the significant increase in anticipated productions shooting in the UK in 2022/23.

As part of the drive to ensure freelancer retention in the industry and improve work/life balance, the HETV job share programme will also be significantly expanded to support more flexible working for up to 40 job-sharers. In addition, training in leadership and management and anti-bullying and harrassment will continue to be available to every shooting HETV production team, to foster good working practices.

Christine Healy, chair of the ScreenSkills high-end TV skills council and COO of Watford & Essex, said: “It is fantastic news that thanks to continued strong industry support and investment, we will be able to expand existing programmes with proven track records of success and add new ones to make sure productions have the people they need at all levels and give the training, support and career development opportunities to our freelance community.”