The National Film and Television School (NFTS) in collaboration with Prime Video Pathway, are offering an expanded suite of free online and in-person training opportunities for television freelancers nationwide in 2026. The initiative will offer comprehensive support across the regions, roles, departments, and genres, reinforcing a commitment to support freelancers build a portfolio and digital career in increasingly challenging times.
The ReSkill and UpSkill pilot was shaped by feedback from 800+ survey responses submitted by freelancers across the UK. Engagement was particularly strong among experienced industry professionals, with 57% of respondents working in television for more than 11 years - a clear signal of the demand for professional development during such a demanding time for all freelancers. Survey findings highlighted a significant appetite for training in emerging and high-growth areas, including generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills.
The five-week virtual pilot delivered from mid-October to November 2025, provided 463 free training places on one day short courses. In addition, free, face-to-face training was delivered to freelancers identified as being most in need, with sessions held in Cardiff, London, Leeds and Glasgow. This in-person programme was designed for TV freelancers with more than three years of industry experience who had faced a period of four months or more without work in the past year. Building on this momentum, ReSkill and UpSkill will return in 2026 with more free, face-to-face training programmes designed specifically for freelancers most in need.
Applications for the in-person training are now open until Sunday 25th January.
TV Freelancers: Reskill & Upskill Programme
Across each location, a maximum 15 successful participants will receive:
• Support to create a personalised development plan
• Nine days of in-person training covering podcasting, digital storytelling and AI
• The option to access three hours of one-to-one coaching
• Ongoing guidance and tailored support
In addition, an expanded programme of virtual day courses and webinars will also run from Monday 19 January to Friday 27 February 2026, offering even more training across generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills as well as introducing new sessions, including an introduction to self-shooting and directing.
To meet the exceptionally high demand, the 2026 schedule will include:
• Two-day sessions in generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills
• Additional Saturday sessions
• Waitlists for fully booked courses
• 14 webinars across the six-week delivery period
- Virtual Programme Ticket Booking Dates
• Booking for Week One sessions live on Thursday 8 January at 10:00
• Booking for Week Two sessions will go live on Tuesday 13 January at 20:00
• Booking for Week Three sessions will go live on Tuesday 20 January at 14:00
• Booking for Week Four sessions will go live on Thursday 29 January at 10:00
• Booking for Week Five sessions will go live on Tuesday 3 February at 20:00
• Booking for Week Six sessions will go live on Thursday 12 February at 14:00
This expanded 2026 programme underscores a shared commitment to providing accessible, industry-leading training that equips UK television freelancers with the skills needed in an evolving media landscape.
Learn more: https://nfts.co.uk/tv-freelancers-reskill-upskill-programme
