Getting in to TV can be tough, but there are a lot of schemes out there that could help you. Here are some of the best.
Our friends at PACT have compiled a comprehensive list of all the grad schemes, trainee schemes and entry-level opportunities currently available. The list below is a great place to start!
Many of the companies below will be on hand at the RTS Futures Careers Fair on Wednesday 1 February. Click here to book tickets for TV's ultimate careers fair.
4Talent
Throughout the year, 4Talent runs a variety of programmes to help those wanting to kick-start their career in the media industry and to support those who may wish to change areas.
BAFTA Scholarships
Open to those in need of financial assistance to take a post-graduate course in the UK, each scholar receives up to £12,000 towards their annual course fees, as well as mentoring support and free access to BAFTA events.
BBC Apprenticeships & Trainee Schemes
As well as apprenticeships (aimed at school leavers) and traineeships (aimed at graduates) the BBC also offers work experience to the right candidates.
The BBC Extend Hub
A specialised recruitment portal exclusively for disabled people, providing a range of opportunities: from entry level apprentice and trainee schemes to work experience placements and generic BBC roles nationwide.
Various opportunities are posted throughout the year.
Creative Access
Provides opportunities for paid internships in the creative industries for talented young people from BAME backgrounds.
Creative Skillset’s Production Coordinator Programme
A programme for those starting out in TV and wishing to pursue a career in Production Management, offering successful applicants a 10-day boot camp of practical workshops.
Creative Skillset’s Trainee Finder
Matches exceptional individuals to training placements in animation, film, games, TV and VFX.
Diva Apprenticeships
Provides access for talented young people regardless of social status, ethnicity, economic and academic background.
Edinburgh Festival: Ones To Watch
Free places on this scheme are awarded to the rising stars of the TV industry, offering four days of inspiring sessions, creative debate and networking opportunities as well as support and mentoring throughout the year.
Edinburgh Festival: The Network
An intensive introduction to working in the TV industry.
Indie Diversity Training Scheme
A six-month paid scheme organised by Think Bigger.
Intermedia
An LGBT network group for people working across the media spectrum – offers an annual mentoring scheme.
ITV Entry Careers
Offers a News Traineeship which runs every year; an Apprenticeship Programme is offered for those who do not have a university degree; and an Insight Programme is available to those looking to learn more about a career in TV.
Leonard Cheshire Disability
Helps disabled people get a career in mainstream media with a programme of summer internships called Change 100.
Mama Youth Project
Aims to equip young people aged between 18-25 years with the skills and experience necessary to secure long-term, fulfilling employment in the industry.
Media Trust
Provides skills-based training opportunities for young people in addition to a 6-week mentoring programme.
Pact Diversity
A new site from Pact offering resources, advice, industry information and practical support to both companies and individuals.
RTS Undergraduate Bursary Scheme
Offers 20 bursaries to students studying Television Production and Broadcast Journalism courses at accredited universities and a further five technology bursaries to students studying Computing and Engineering. Recipients receive £1,000 per year of their studies, mentoring and free RTS membership
Runners’ Group (Facebook)
Brings together thousands of runners, and would-be runners, keen to source good advice on how to secure that first TV job.
Sara Putt Associates Trainee Scheme
A professional development and mentoring programme for new entrants to the industry.
Sky Academy
Offers accredited, permanent positions for school and university leavers on one to three-year paid graduate programmes and apprenticeships.
The Unit List
A TV production jobs portal and industry news source – essential resource for those starting out in the industry.
Think Bigger - Writers Camp
A six-month programme for aspiring writers and script editors with disabilities.
EndemolShine UK Creative Development Internship
A three-month paid position, with the possibility of extending for up to 12 months for somebody with fresh, original idea and a love of TV. No experience necessary, just a desire to get into TV. Reopens later in the year.
