The schemes will offer real-life work experience and insight into various careers within the industry.

The Channel 4 Production Trainee Scheme, Channel 4 Apprenticeships, 4Studio Placements and the Aspiring Lawyers partnership, together with the 4Skills projects to be announced later in 2021, will provide opportunities to more than 50 people across the Nations and Regions.

Sinead Rocks, Channel 4’s Managing Director Nations & Regions, said: “Providing opportunities to young people who might never have given a second thought to a career in the broadcast is precisely what Channel 4 should be doing.

“The impact of Covid on the career opportunities of young people has been especially damaging so it’s vital that we work collectively with our partners to provide those entry level opportunities.”

Channel 4 Production Trainee Scheme

From June 2021, Channel 4 will place at least 15 people in paid trainee positions with different independent production companies based in Bristol, Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Criccieth (North Wales), Glasgow, Leeds and Manchester.

The placements will last a year, during which time the trainees will receive regular training sessions and mentoring, supported by ThinkBIGGER!, alongside their experience with the indies.

Channel 4 will employ another cohort of production trainees in autumn 2021.

4Studio Paid Placements

Later in 2021, Channel 4 will place six people between the ages of 18 and 24 in its Leeds-based, in-house digital studio, 4Studio.

The pilot scheme is primarily aimed at people in the region from diverse backgrounds and young people who might not typically consider a career in the industry.

Successful candidates will participate in a 12-week, paid programme, starting with six weeks’ training with SharpFutures, a specialist social enterprise company supporting diverse young people into employment.

A six-week placement with 4Studio will then follow.

Channel 4 Apprenticeships

In another initiative, Channel 4 has already employed 13 people in long-term apprenticeships in Leeds and Manchester.

The apprenticeships are fully paid, will last from 15 to 24 months, and cover many of the Channel’s departments including 4Studio, 4Creative, Agency Sales, Strategy & Consumer Insight, Finance, Communications/Pictures, Content Management/Programme Information, and Technology/Cyber Security.

Recruitment for the next cohort of apprentices will begin in the coming months for a September start.

Aspiring Solicitors

Channel 4’s Legal and Compliance department has partnered with Aspiring Solicitors to offer mentoring and work experience to diverse candidates pursuing a legal career in the media sector.

As part of Channel 4’s commitment to regional diversity, half of the places have been reserved for people outside London.

Find out more about Channel 4 training schemes here.