Apprenticeships and access schemes 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 12 apprenticeship schemes and programmes highlighting the wealth of ways to enter different parts of the creative industry. From advertising schools to TV production programmes, there are 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.
BBC Production Apprenticeships
Salary: £21,840 (£27,158 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 and London
Applications open: February to March annually
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, Manchester, Remote
Applications open: Throughout the year
Big Creative Education’s apprenticeship schemes places apprentices with film production companies, media outlets and event organisers, amongst others. There are dozens of roles across PR, content creation, and more. BCE also offer an array of adult learning courses, in areas from web design to podcasting.
The Juice Academy
Salary: Minimum £14,000 annually
Location: Manchester
Applications open: Throughout the year
The Juice Academy offers Mancunian creatives the chance to kickstart their careers in digital marketing and content creation. Roles range across the year 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.
Fashion Technology Academy
Salary: Varies
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Throughout the year
Fashion Technology Academy offers apprenticeships across stitching, pattern cutting, the Fashion Studio, garment technology, product technology and bespoke tailoring – ensuring trainees turn their passions into real-world experience.
D&AD Shift
Location: London, New York, Sydney, Berlin, Hamburg, São Paulo
Applications open: February annually, but can sign up for updates anytime
D&AD Shift is a global programme for emerging creatives seeking to enter the world of advertising. You’ll spend five months improving professional and soft skills, while collaborating with some of the world’s best agencies on live briefs. Graduates have gone on to direct music videos for Stormzy and make waves throughout the industry.
Brixton Finishing School
Location: London and virtually
Applications open: January to April annually
Brixton Finishing School’s 8-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: Breakthrough Programme
Salary: Varying
Location: South East England, with employers UK-Wide
Applications open: July annually
Breakthrough is a 6‑month employability programme designed as a stepping stone to get you workplace experience and all-important employment skills. This short placement provides insight into a future career in the creative industry, helping you to break through into a career that matters to you.
Channel 4’s New Writer Scheme
Location: Bristol, Glasgow, Leeds, Northern Ireland
Applications open: May to June annually
Channel 4’s New Writers Scheme is a one-stop shop for new, underrepresented writers with a burning desire to write TV drama. It’s a unique, 9-month-long scheme to help you gain the skills needed to forge a successful writing career, and tell stories which reflect the diversity and creativity of the place where you live.
Creative Alliance
Salary: Varying
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Throughout the year
Creative Alliances offers an extensive range of apprenticeships across the digital and marketing sector, with expert coaching to help you master both professional and technical skills. They also run a 5-week skills bootcamp designed to help emerging talent create designs, copy and content for websites, social media and printed materials.
BFI Film Academy
Location: UK-wide
Applications open: Throughout the year
BFI Film Academy offers a variety of courses for 16 to 19-year-olds to develop skills and build a career in the film industry. Courses are delivered as an intensive week or over a set number of weekends, with trainees working closely with leading industry professionals who provide unique insight into the filmmaking business and guide you along the way.
This article was first published in February 2023 and featured 10 resources. It was updated in June 2025, with one internship removed and three added.