Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills have opened applications for a series of courses intended to fill the skills gaps in the film and television industry.
It’s the third year that the organisations have run Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire.
This time, 2 additional vocational courses have been added, covering Art Direction & Props, and factual television.
“We are really pleased that the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire is succeeding in the ambition of expanding the skilled and inclusive local workforce for production in the region,” said Gareth Ellis-Unwin, Head of Film and Animation at ScreenSkills.
“Alumni from the first two years are already forging great careers and providing local industry with the skilled people it needs to thrive. We hope that this encourages other potential recruits from all backgrounds to apply for the courses that open today.”
Courses cover areas which have been identified as most “in demand” locally as the sector emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Organisers say they have been specifically designed to provide trainees with a “clear pathway” to entry level jobs in the Film & TV industry.
They have also set out targets to support applicants from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds.
The courses will be delivered in partnership with University Centre Leeds and Keighley College.
“The courses run as part of the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire have proved hugely successful in getting trainees their first jobs in the industry – and many are now carving out fantastic careers,” added Glyn Middleton, Screen Yorkshire.
“But there’s more work to do – this is the busiest time any of us can remember and a large number of films, TV dramas and factual shows are on the horizon. We have designed these courses specifically to tackle skills gaps in the region and to get more and more trainees, from a wide range of backgrounds, into inspiring and rewarding creative careers.”
Screen Yorkshire has recruited 2 new staff to help run the courses.
Beatrice Neumann is a trainer, who’s previously worked with ScreenSkills becomes its Manager, Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire.
Neumann will be supported by new Senior Coordinator Hannah Kenworthy.
“I’m delighted to be joining the Screen Yorkshire team to manage CoSE:Y and thereby contribute to building a strong regional workforce that will attract even more productions to Yorkshire and the wider region. I can’t imagine anything more gratifying than paving the way for young people intent on becoming part of our vibrant Film & TV industry,” said Neumann.
