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 19-week paid programme which will commence September 2026 on 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.
And it works! Here’s what 2026 sound trainee Sophie Jerram says of her experience to date:
“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 career in TV.
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. Sound is such a unique department and I feel so incredibly grateful to have learnt under such experts in the field who have taught me skills in radio miking, booming and working as a trainee on a professional set.”.
Hair and Make up trainee Allyce Ratcliffe adds:
“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 skill. Definitely a perfect starting job to help you expand your career.”
Rope Ladder Fiction’s founder Cameron Roach says:
‘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 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 7 individuals 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
- Post Production
(* 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 Wednesday 9th September 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 14th to Friday 18th September with the relevant departmental crew. Contracts start date will be the week commencing Monday 28th September.
To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
- 18 years of age and over
- Available for a full time 19 week engagement from September 2026
- Available for a full Skills Day on Wednesday 9th September.
- Available to work an 10-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 Friday 7th August 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].
