The Pictures Team is responsible for all of Channel 4’s imaging needs. It is responsible for the sourcing, editing, production and distribution of images for use across internal and external platforms to promote Channel 4.
Job Title: Picture Production Apprentice
Reports to: Picture Production Lead
Department: Marketing
Location: Leeds
Number of roles: 1
Start date: September 2026
THE C4 APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME
If you are looking for an opportunity to gain work experience and a qualification, then an apprenticeship at Channel 4 might be for you.
Our Apprenticeships are full-time, with four days per week spent working in a C4 department and one day per week completing the formal learning parts of the apprenticeship.
The formal training provided will consist of workshops, tutorials, webinars, coaching and in some cases residential boot camps. The training is dependent on the qualification your apprenticeship offers and will be explained in detail by the training provider before you officially begin the course. You can read more about the qualification being offered for this apprenticeship below.
Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please look at our Production Training Scheme or the Channel 4 Jobs website for other opportunities suitable for you.
If you’d like some tips on writing your application before you apply, please watch our recent YouTube video, How to Write an Outstanding Application.
The programme aims to offer opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the TV industry, so we are particularly keen to hear from Deaf and/or disabled people, ethnically diverse people and people from lower socio-economic groups.
Am I eligible to apply?
- You must be 18 years old or over at the time the scheme starts to apply. There is no upper age limit.
- You’ll need to have a Grade C (4) or above in Maths & English GCSE
- You can’t have already completed the qualification being offered or similar at the same or higher level
- Our apprenticeships are aimed at school leavers and people who do not have a degree. If you have a degree, please visit the Channel 4 Jobs website
CHANNEL 4 BEHAVIOURS
At Channel 4, we have four core behaviours that underpin everything we do. These are outlined below, and we will be assessing candidates on these behaviours throughout the recruitment process.
Include We’re Altogether Different so let’s give each other a bear hug, team up and trust each other to collaborate arm-in-arm. Don’t just listen: listen to understand.
Innovate Don’t just rinse and repeat: don’t just go through the motions. Challenge positive and embrace change. Experiment & take smart risks.
Grow Question everything and school yourself. Be generous with your knowledge with others and seek feedback from them. Be clear with your objectives.
Get it done Make your time at Channel 4 count. Be a solution-finder, not a finger-pointer. Prioritise, decide and then act – always commercially.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
The Pictures Team sits within the Marketing department and is responsible for all of Channel 4’s imaging needs. It is responsible for the sourcing, editing, production and distribution of images for use across internal and external platforms to promote Channel 4, including our streaming platform, third-party platforms, social media, the external media, and wider corporate use.
Working with programme commissioners, producers, celebrities and some of the country’s best photographers, the Pictures Team develops ideas and concepts for photo shoots on location and in a studio. The team is then responsible for producing, editing and distributing imagery from these shoots. This is as well as liaising with production companies and studios to acquire programme imagery, and also sourcing screen grabs from Channel 4 content. All images are then used to promote Channel 4 programming on the Channel 4 streaming platform and third-party platforms such as Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Sky, as well as in the wider media.
KEY RESPONSIBILITES
- Caption, tag and store non-commissioned images in the team’s asset management system
- Publish images to press website
- Manage requests from Channel 4 colleagues for the supply of images
- Liaise with production companies to obtain non-commissioned images
- Liaise with and supply images to external picture desks
- Assist picture producers in the setting up and attendance of photoshoots, both on location/in studio or in office. This includes supporting completion of necessary documents such as health & safety briefs and caption docs.
- Through in-house training, eventually commission photoshoots for Marketing needs, primarily for streaming platforms but also for editorial and digital marketing activity.
- Make recommendations on how Production processes could be improved through templates, AI, DAM workflows or onboarding packs, working with asset management and marketing operations.
ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
As part of the application process, you’ll be asked to tell us how you meet the essential criteria listed below. When answering this question think about examples from your experience so far, this doesn’t need to be professional experience but could be academic, from volunteering or a part-time job.
We’ve provided some examples beside the first four criteria of experience that could demonstrate you have these skills. Please note you do not need to use these examples; they are just here for guidance, and you should draw from your own personal experiences.
- Verbal and written communication skills - Verbal - e.g. experience of dealing with customers or working as part of a team. Written – e.g. writing emails, completing an application form or essay, or if you have a hobby that involves creative writing.
- Attention to detail - e.g. Cashing up on tills or proofreading coursework.
- Organisation skills and ability to prioritise tasks - e.g. Planning events whether personal or for professional purposes, as well as managing work life balance, for example working whilst doing coursework/exams.
- An understanding of and a passion for Channel 4's remit
- Passion for photography and has an interest in design / image creation
- Able to critically assess imagery and offer suggestions on ways to improve images
- Confident managing multiple tasks with tight deadlines
- Strong communication skills
- Proactive self starter comfortable working autonomously, setting yourself small creative challenges
- Basic knowledge of Adobe CC suite (desirable)
- Comfortable using AI tooling for image ideation and creation
- Demonstrable knowledge working with Microsoft tools such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel.
QUALIFICATION OFFERED WITH THIS APPRENTICESHIP
Content Creator Level 3
LENGTH OF APPRENTICESHIP
15 months
ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION FORMATS
We are committed to making the application process accessible. If you would like to discuss suggestions for alternative formats, or have any questions about the recruitment process in general, please contact us at [email protected]
Take a look at our access page for more information, which you’ll find by clicking here. You can also watch our YouTube video, Demystifying Interview and Workplace Adjustments.
RELOCATION
If you need to relocate in order to take up this opportunity, we can offer you support towards the financial costs of moving. This includes a contribution towards your deposit and first months’ rent, plus visits to your new city to look for accommodation.
How to Apply
While we have publicised this opportunity, please note that: (i) the application and selection process is managed by the advertising company/organisation; and (ii) we rely on them to: provide accurate, up-to-date details about themselves and the opportunity; ensure that opportunities are ethical and paid fairly. To report a listing, please email [email protected].