Following the huge success of three previous Production Development Trainee Schemes, Wall to Wall Media and Rope Ladder Fiction in association with Screen Manchester and HOME are on the search for applications from anyone keen to join the next 6 month paid programme, which will commence in April 2024.
The aim of the initiative is to provide on-the-job training in junior roles for the next generation of talent for the scripted drama sector. By offering hands-on experience designed to build skills by directly working on this Manchester-based prime-time production.
Assistant Director trainee Oli says:
“My time at Waterloo Road has been an enlightening, exciting and dream fulfilling experience into not only the AD department but into the lifestyle of a TV freelancer.”
Props trainee Anne adds:
“In the last five months I have gained a variety of skills and networks that will hopefully help further my career in the props department. It is such a great idea to help people gain direct experience of the TV Industry.”
Rope Ladder Fiction’s founder Cameron Roach says:
“We’re thrilled to be announcing a third cohort of our trainee scheme, in partnership with Screen Manchester. The previous cohort of trainees have all gone on to secure freelance work within the sector, and it’s brilliant to see their individual careers flourish. The BBC’s continued investment in Waterloo Road, here in Greater Manchester, is genuinely ensuring that a sustainable pipeline of emerging screen talent is secure.”
Wall to Wall Media People’s Partner Dina Slater says:
“By providing ongoing training opportunities and mentoring through our structured programme, we’re supporting people from all walks of life to pursue their passion in this fast-moving and ever-changing industry. We know just how important this is in creating a more inclusive industry, bringing fresh perspectives and talent to the table! We want to provide an entry point for new and emerging talent with diverse experiences and backgrounds into the television landscape, knowing how this brings continued relevance, creativity, and vibrancy to all we do”
So, if you think you might like to apply to be one of the scheme’s next cohort, applications are now open to find 8 individuals who live in the Manchester area.
The trainee roles are available in the departments of:
- Props
- Costume
- Makeup
- Post Production
- Art
- Assistant Directors
- Camera
- Sound Departments
The Waterloo Road Production Development Scheme is made possible with the support and assistance of HOME Manchester and Screen Manchester, who have recently formed 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. Applicants will then be selected to progress to the next stage.
Stage Two: Skills Training Day
Applicants will be selected to attend a Skills Training Day held-in-person on Thursday 14th March 2024. Here you will be introduced to how the production industry works with specifically designed workshops 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 on the 25th, 26th and 27th of March 2024 with the relevant departmental Crew.
To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
- 18 years of age and over.
- Available for a full 6-month engagement from April 2024.
- Available for a full Skills Day on 14th March 2024, 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 To apply you must live in the Manchester area.
- This opportunity will be a PAID placement should you gain a position.
Deadline for application is 5.00pm on Friday 23rd February 2024.
We welcome and positively encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries.
For any assistance with your application please do contact [email protected].
