Applications are now open for a new cohort of trainees!
Following the huge success of our 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 15-week paid programme which will commence in March 2026.
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.
And it works! Here’s what current Postproduction trainee Reaia says of her experience to date:
“I’ve loved my time at Waterloo Road so far, learning from the incredible post team here. I’m looking forward to the months ahead as we round out the trainee scheme. I would highly recommend applying to this opportunity especially since this crew is a great one to be a part of for a first television job.”
Rope Ladder Fiction’s founder Cameron Roach says: ’We’re thrilled to work with our partners at Screen Manchester and invest in a further cohort of trainees at Waterloo Road. It’s been incredibly energising to see the trainees go on and secure work elsewhere in the sector, and we really feel the benefit of a long-term investment in content and talent in the region‘.
Elli Metcalfe, Screen Manchester’s Crew, Skills and Facilities Manager says: “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!”
So, if you think you might like to apply to be one of the scheme’s next cohort, applications are now open to find 7individuals who currently live in the Greater Manchester area.
The trainee roles are available in these departments:
- Costume
- Hair and Makeup
- Art (*see below)
- Assistant Directors
- Camera
- Sound
- Props
(* The following skills are extremely desirable for any art department applications: Adobe software (Illustrator and Photoshop) and Microsoft software (Word and Excel). An interest in these skills and examples of a self-initiated portfolio of work appreciated for Art Department applicants).
The Waterloo Road Production Development Scheme is made possible with the support and assistance of Screen Manchester, part of the BFI and National Lottery funded Screen Alliance North.
The Application process for this placement will be conducted in several stages:
Stage One: Application Form
Please fill out the online Application Form via the link below.
Stage Two: Skills Training Day
Applicants will be selected to attend a Skills Training Day held-in-person on Thursday 26th February 2026. Here you will be introduced to how the production industry works with a specifically designed workshop held by Industry Professionals. The Waterloo Road Production Crew will also be in attendance, and you will have the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with Crew members from the relevant placement departments.
After the event, participants will then be selected to go onto the interview stage.
Stage Three: Interviews
Interviews will take place between Monday 2nd March till Wednesday 11th March with the relevant departmental crew. Contracts start date will be the week commencing Friday 20th March.
To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
- 18 years of age and over
- Available for a full time 15 week engagement from March 2026
- Available for a full Skills Day on Thursday 26th February, at Space Studios Manchester: A purpose-built facility consisting of 6 stages covering 85,000 sq ft. Home to award winning TV, film and commercial productions.
- Available to work an 11-hour day, this is a full-time placement.
- Production will be based in Greater Manchester.
- To apply you must live in the Greater Manchester area.
- This opportunity will be a PAID placement should you gain a position.
Deadline for application is Wednesday 4th February 2026.
We welcome and positively encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries. Applications will be considered from previous applicants.
For any assistance with your application please do contact [email protected].
