10 apprenticeship schemes and programmes to get into the creative industry
Getting into the creative industry is certainly not a one-size-fits-all journey. Many routes exist – whether it’s learning on the job, attending night school or seeking an apprenticeship. Below, we’ve collated a list of apprenticeship schemes as well as programmes highlighting the wealth of ways to enter different parts of the creative industry. From advertising schools to TV production programmes, there’s a whole lot of options to explore. Have a scroll to find out more!
What’s an apprenticeship?
In summary, it’s a great alternative to higher education. Open to those aged 16 or over, these schemes combine study with full-time, on-the-job training, all while you earn a salary. You also gain an official qualification at the end of it. For more information on what it entails, check out the Gov.UK page on apprenticeships or our article featuring two digital marketing apprentices.
BBC Production Apprenticeships
Salary: £19,500 (£24,418 in London, Jersey and Guernsey)
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Winter and autumn annually
Want to create world-class content for flagship BBC TV shows? The broadcaster’s apprenticeship schemes span a wide range of exciting roles across the whole of their UK operations. You’ll get on-the-job training as a member of the BBC production team, developing your knowledge and skills in an area that interests you, all while working towards your qualification. You can also have the opportunity to work in radio and podcasts.
Channel 4 Apprenticeships
Salary: Various
Location: Leeds, London, Manchester and Glasgow
Applications open: January-February 2023
Since they first offered them a decade ago, Channel 4’s apprenticeship schemes have proven highly popular. Roles are regularly available in departments such as HR, pictures, commissioning and their film production outpost Film4, so you could end up working on the next big awards-season favourite.
Big Creative Education
Salary: Varying
Location: London
Applications open: Throughout the year
Big Creative Education’s apprenticeship schemes places apprentices with film production companies, media outlets and event organisers, amongst others. BCE also offer an array of adult learning courses, in areas from web design to podcasting.
Read more about Big Creative Education’s apprenticeships here
The Juice Academy
Salary: Various
Location: Manchester
Applications open: Throughout the year
Promising “the UK’s first ever industry-led digital and social media apprenticeship”, the Juice Academy offers 80 emerging Mancunian creatives the chance to kickstart their careers in digital marketing and content creation annually. Roles range from companies such as hair and beauty salons to creative content production studios.
Multiverse
Salary: Minimum £15,000 annually
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Throughout the year
Multiverse offers a host of roles and programmes in different parts of the creative industry, including digital marketing, tech, online business fundamentals and more. Targeted towards those aged 18-23, they seek to offer an alternative to university and corporate training.
ScreenSkills
Salary: London Living Wage
Location: London
Applications open: January-March annually
ScreenSkills seeks to give its apprentices a start in film and TV production, with its trainees having worked on big-name television series and films. Roles vary widely and have included production runners and coordinators. There is an element of surprise when it comes to ScreenSkills’ apprenticeships as they’ll only assign spots on productions you’ll work on when recruitment has wrapped up.
Read more about ScreenSkills here
Fashion Technology Academy: Fashion Enter Apprenticeships
Salary: Varies
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Throughout the year
Fashion Technology Academy’s Fashion Enter programme links its apprentices with a wide range of employers in the fashion industry, including ASOS, M&S, New Look, Hobbs and Jigsaw. Opportunities available include roles in sewing, pattern cutting, tailoring and general studio work.
D&AD Shift
Salary: n/a
Location: London, New York and Sydney
Applications open: February annually
D&AD Shift is a global programme for emerging creatives seeking to enter the world of advertising. You’ll spend four months creating three speculative ad campaigns for brands such as Penguin and Guinness. Graduates have gone on to direct music videos for Stormzy and make waves throughout the industry.
Brixton Finishing School
Salary: n/a
Location: London and virtually
Applications open: January-April annually
Brixton Finishing School’s 10-week programme mixes masterclasses with real-world employer experiences. You’ll meet the biggest companies in the industry and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills needed to kickstart your career. Best of all, it’s completely free! Assessment days to select for the course run from January to April.
Artswork Apprenticeships
Salary: Varying
Location: South East and South West England
Applications open: Throughout the year
Artswork team up with organisations and companies to offer Level 3 Apprenticeship standards for arts, cultural and heritage organisations. Trainees have worked at cultural centres such as Quay Arts and Aspex Portsmouth, as well as at Artswork itself.
Written by Creative Lives in Progress