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 6 month paid programme, which will commence in September 2025.
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. By offering hands-on experience designed to build skills by directly working on this Greater Manchester-based prime-time production
It works! Here’s what Olivia and Emily say of their experience…
Olivia – Art Dept Trainee:
“The placement has been such an amazing experience to be a part of, it has allowed me to utilize and build on skills and practice set etiquette on a working set
This placement has given me more experience as well as confidence and allowed me to learn new technical skills that I can apply in my future work including working with new materials and programs that I hadn’t had the opportunity to work with previously.”
Emily – Costume Trainee:
“I have had the most wonderful time working for Waterloo Road, I have met so many talented individuals that have all been so welcoming and generous with sharing their advice and experience.
This experience has also been so much better due to starting with other trainees! Having a network to support you and guide you as to the going’s on in their department has made me feel so comfortable and more aware of different job roles in the industry, I feel it has strengthened my skills in team working and communication.”
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 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.”
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
- Post Production
- Art
- Assistant Directors
- Camera
- Sound
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.
Application
The Application process for this placement will be conducted in several stages:
Stage One: Application Form
Please fill out the online Application Form found here.
Stage Two: Skills Training Day
Applicants will be selected to attend a Skills Training Day held-in-person on WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST. 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 25TH AUGUST – WEDNESDAY 3RD SEPTEMBER with the relevant departmental crew. Contracts start date will be the week commencing MONDAY 22ND SEPTEMBER
To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
- 18 years of age and over
- Available for a full time 6-month engagement from SEPTEMBER
- Available for a full Skills Day on WEDNESDAY 20TH AUGUST, 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 30TH JULY
We welcome and positively encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries. For any assistance with your application please do contact [email protected].
