Following the huge success of previous Production Development Trainee Schemes, Wall to Wall North and Rope Ladder Fiction, in association with Screen Manchester, are on the search for applications from anyone keen to join the next 19-week paid programme, which will commence in September 2026 on the BBC hit series Waterloo Road.
The aim of the initiative is to provide on-the-job training in junior roles for the next generation of talent for the scripted broadcast drama sector. It offers hands-on experience designed to build skills by directly working on this Greater Manchester-based prime-time production.
2026 sound trainee Sophie Jerram said: “My time working in the sound department as a trainee has been the most insightful, rewarding and valuable experience. The team behind Waterloo Road has established such a wonderful working environment that encourages learning and growth for those early in their TV careers. I have been inspired to step out of my comfort zone, learning hands-on what it takes to work as a sound trainee on a busy set for a series that is so beloved here in the UK.
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“Sound is such a unique department and I feel so incredibly grateful to have learnt from such experts in the field who taught me skills in radio miking, booming and working as a trainee on a professional set.”.
Hair and Make up trainee Allyce Ratcliffe added: “This trainee position has been amazing. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past 3 months with the team and all the crew. You will learn so much on-set experience and become more confident in your skills. Definitely a perfect starting job to help you expand your career.”
Rope Ladder Fiction’s founder Cameron Roach (pictured, left) said: ‘The results of our trainee programme continue to surpass expectations, both in terms of the enthusiasm of trainees we are recruiting and their ongoing career development. It is vital that this opportunity is completely open access, and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds.
“The community that our trainees have fostered to date is very tangible and we are excited to grow this further. We truly believe that a robust and sustainable sector will thrive long-term if we continue to invest in, enable, and support further cohorts of trainees. As ever we’re grateful to Screen Manchester for building this enterprise with us.’
Elli Metcalfe, Screen Manchester’s crew, skills and facilities manager (right) said: “It is always wonderful to meet and then watch the progress of all our trainees who are thriving and already finding their way into the industry across a range of departments. Our aim is to supply the talent pipeline in the North and keep it flowing in a positive direction. Waterloo Road is helping us to achieve precisely that and we are so grateful to the team there for their unbridled access and support as are our trainees who appreciate this hands-on and practical approach which sits central to all our training. Access is everything!”
Applications are now open to find 7 individuals who currently live in the Greater Manchester area to work across
- Costume
- Hair and Makeup
- Art
- Assistant Directors
- Camera
- Sound
- Post Production
The Waterloo Road Production Development Scheme is made possible with support from Screen Manchester, part of the BFI and National Lottery funded Screen Alliance North – application form here.
