Between February 2022 and January 2024, ScreenSkills ran a Flexible Learning Agency (FJAA) pilot program with key supporters Prime Video, Sky with APX Content Ventures, Banijay, Lime Pictures and Fremantle.
The pilot, co-funded by the Department for Education in its first year, tested whether a limited agency-based learning model could be effective in the project-based film and television production sector.
“Overall, this pilot was a success and shows that apprenticeships can be a credible career path, particularly for candidates from diverse backgrounds. Not only did the majority of apprentices complete their training and subsequently gain employment in industry more quickly, but also had a personal impact on them,” said Laura Mansfield, CEO of ScreenSkills.
“The UK display industries are one of the most creative sectors in the world and talent, ability and creativity should not be defined by educational or social context. The pilot identified a number of areas for improvement which, if addressed, could make learning a viable option for anyone who wants a career in the sector”.
During their training, the pilot allowed apprentices to gain significant experience in various companies and productions, as well as to identify and secure further employment. At the end of the pilot program, 85% of apprentices passed their End Point Assessments (EPAs) and by the end of the program 76% of apprentices had already secured a new job. In addition to contracts with Banijay, Fremantle and Lime Pictures, trainees from the pilot secured further employment with 19 other production companies, including Hat Trick, ITN, Mindhouse, Molinare and Studio Lambert.
Apprentices’ assessment of their personal development during the program was also very positive. Three quarters said they would recommend an apprenticeship in the screen industries; 90 percent said the program improved their communication skills and 85 percent said it made them better prepared for employment. In addition, the majority said that the training helped to increase their confidence and their ability to work in a team.
“Banijay UK was very excited to be invited to take part in the ScreenSkills Flexible Apprenticeship pilot. Apprenticeships should be a key pillar in upskilling the industry, providing opportunities and democratizing opportunities within the industry. We have been fortunate to have apprentices in key skill areas, production accounting and production management,” said Bella Lambourne, director of human resources and operations at Banijay.
“The training provided has enabled apprentices to progress to the next level and in some cases build entirely new careers with a professional qualification behind them which we hope will serve them for the rest of their careers. Apprenticeships need to be as flexible as possible to work in the creative industries and this would not be possible without the support of ScreenSkills.”
In the FJAA pilot, 26% of apprentices were from a working-class background, which was higher than the percentage of the general UK workforce (23%). Also, just over two-thirds of apprentices were aged between 20 and 30, and almost 30 per cent were transferred from full-time employment in other sectors.
However, the pilot also highlighted areas for improvement. The agency route of flexible working apprenticeships is an expensive training model, with partners having to deal with additional costs beyond training alone in areas including holiday pay and training for apprentices, recruitment as well as the internal costs associated with the coordination requirement. continuous and appropriate placements.
The pilot also highlighted the need to improve both learning standards and the final assessment process, to ensure that apprentices had the best chance of successfully completing training fully relevant to their job.
ScreenSkills continues to believe that changes are needed in specific areas. The changes would not only provide more benefits for both potential apprentices and employers, but would enable apprentices to play an important role in addressing skills shortages in the sector, as well as improving inclusion and diversity. ScreenSkills therefore also welcomes the Government’s proposals for a Growth and Skills Tax which would give businesses greater flexibility in how they invest in skills and training.
“Apprenticeships offer a real opportunity to improve the diversity of the workforce and bring new, different and existing voices and perspectives to the sector,” Mansfield concluded. “Furthermore, ScreenSkills welcomes the Government’s plan for a Growth and Skills Tax. Not only would it unlock greater potential to invest in skills and training across the industry, but it could also improve the uptake and accessibility of apprenticeships both for future candidates as well as employers”.
#quarters #ScreenSkills #flexible #working #apprentices #gain #employment #industry #Prolific #North