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ScreenSkills, a UK screen industry body, has partnered with Netflix and Warner Bros to launch 20 new production apprenticeship opportunities for young people who would love to get into a career in TV or film.

Initially, the partnership will allow 20 apprentices to train up as either broadcast production assistants or production accountants with one of the two companies.

Announcing the new apprenticeships, the Vice President for Original Series at Netflix, Anne Mensah, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for UK film and television and we are proud to partner with DCMS (the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport), ScreenSkills and Warner Bros. on this important pilot, as we work to unlock and champion opportunities for everyone, across the industry.”

The President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, Josh Berger, also commented, saying: “This pilot is part of our ongoing commitment to creating opportunities and avenues for new diverse voices to enter the entertainment industry during this continued period of growth in UK film and television production. Apprentices already make a valuable contribution across our businesses and by partnering in this pilot we hope to identify a long-term, sustainable solution for the whole production industry to work with the Apprenticeship Levy.”

The Chief Executive of ScreenSkills, Seetha Kumar, said: “The screen industries are paying millions into the current apprenticeship system, but the freelance and project-based nature of much of the work makes it difficult for all these funds to be used. We hope this imaginative trial will stress-test how best to use the funds to train the workers our sector so desperately needs.”

Recruitment for the 20 new roles will get underway soon and the apprentices will begin their production journeys in summer 2020.

The Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson, welcomed the partnership, saying: “It’s absolutely fantastic to see global companies like Netflix and Warner Bros. investing in apprenticeships to help young people pursue exciting careers in TV and film. Britain’s creative industries are a huge success at home and abroad. This innovative partnership will provide the opportunity for apprentices to gain the skills they need to get ahead in the industry while working on major productions.”

“We recognise that more needs to be done to make sure the TV and film industry are able to take full advantage of the apprenticeship system including the levy. This scheme will also help test how we can support them to generate the skilled workforce they are crying out for,” added the Education Secretary.

Baroness Morgan, the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, also commented, saying: “The creative industries are one of the UK's biggest success stories and play a pivotal role in shaping how the rest of the world sees us. I hope this new pilot scheme will give young people from all backgrounds the chance to gain experience at the forefront of our vibrant screen sectors, inspiring future careers and helping to secure the sustained growth of the industry for years to come.”

If you are interested in a place on one of the apprenticeships with Netflix or Warner Bros, you can find out more on the Screenskills website.