Skillset and Film London have launched a new joint bursary scheme to support the skills development of people working across the media industries.
Screen bursaries provide up to 80 per cent of the cost of short courses for TV, film, animation and computer games professionals across the UK. The bursaries are available for people wanting to access training in business skills, technical and craft skills and health and safety. These areas have been identified as priorities for support by the industry in Skillset's Sector Skills Agreement which outlines the skills challenges facing the sector and what action is needed to address them.
Earlier this month, the Leitch Review of Skills endorsed the industry-led approach to the tackling the skills agenda and recommended to Government that Skillset and other Sector Skills Councils be given more influence and resources to achieve this.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: "Skillset's partnership with Film London, on this and many other projects to support the skills and talent of the workforce, is an example of the increased impact and effectiveness that can be achieved when resources are combined and effort focused through working together. This bursary scheme provides a much needed support mechanism for people working in the industry. Their skills and talent are crucial to the industry's future success and so must be a top priority."
Adrian Wootton, CEO of Film London, said: "We are delighted to be working closely with Skillset to increase the opportunities available to talent in the capital. This new bursary scheme will help individuals further develop their expertise, and will go towards ensuring London retains its world-class workforce with some of the most highly-skilled personnel in the industry."
The bursaries are funded by Skillset's Film Skills Fund, which is supported by the National Lottery through the UK Film Council and the film industry through the Skills Investment Fund; the TV Freelance Fund, made up of contributions from all UK broadcasters and the independent television production sector; and Film London through the London Development Agency.
For more information on how to apply please visit: www.skillset.org/film
Skillset and Film London launch joint bursary