Scottish Broadcast Training Programme Trainees Take the Spotlight As They Graduate!
QTV, BBC Studioworks and NFTS Scotland recently concluded 12 months of work with six exceptional technical trainees from the Scottish Broadcast Training Programme (SBTP). The trainees have had a busy year on placements with numerous Outside Broadcast (OBs) and studio-based television shows as well as receiving training with BECTU Vision and Glasgow City College.
The trainees; Ben Clark, Callum Wishart, George Donaldson, Kevwe Oghiagbepha, Phoebe Pearson and Sean Leask started in August 2023 with a three-week intensive Multi-Camera course at the National Film and Television School’s HQ in Beaconsfield and Kelvin Hall in Glasgow. The following 12 months saw the trainees on numerous placements with QTV on the Scottish Professional Football League, Rugby Super League, Scottish Women’s Premier League and various other OBs across multiple sports and live events. Other placements have included River City, QI, Eastenders, The Weakest Link, Answer Run, Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Rob Becket’s Smart TV.
MEET THE TRAINEES
- Phoebe Pearson
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“Working in audio and broadcast has always been a dream of mine. I have no connections in the industry, so a scheme like this was the only opportunity I had to break into the field. The experience has helped me come out of my shell, making me comfortable and confident with my work and interacting with new people. I have developed a strong understanding of all aspects of audio and about working in OBs and studio television. My confidence and competence has grown so much over the last 12 months.”
- Kevwe Oghiagbepha
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“The last year has been a rollercoaster ride for me, with many expectations and learning achievements. At the start of the programme I never expected to be as grounded and multi skilled in just one year. The variety of practical and hands-on experiences has been very impactful. A highlight was getting to go to Newcastle as a camera assistant for the Champions League, it was the best experience as I got to be in the mix of rigging and setting up the cameras. It gave me much more confidence to actually rig a camera in a pressured situation”
- Callum Wishart
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“I’m extremely grateful to have been on this traineeship, it has changed the trajectory of my life for the better. Coming out of college I struggled to find my way and now I have a clear path and have a motivation which drives me. QTV is, and will continue to be, a place where I can learn and push my boundaries. I am also very grateful for the BBC Studioworks experience and for being introduced to the community that works in that area of television.”
- Ben Clark
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“I feel over the course of the 12 months of the traineeship I have gone from strength to strength. Having had prior experience in the industry, I felt I started with a strong foundation however, thanks to the experience I have gained from this programme, I have built on this foundation more than I ever thought I could.”
- George Donaldson
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“Throughout the last year my biggest area for improvement has been technical knowledge. This is an ongoing process as the depth of knowledge to be learned is significant. I will continue, throughout my career, to chip away at this. I’m really satisfied with the outcome of this traineeship, I feel like a completely different professional than I was 12 months ago. This is primarily due to the opportunities and support of QTV. In addition, NFTS Scotland has been supportive and was always looking for chances to help and find new opportunities.”
- Sean Leask
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“My progress from the start of the traineeship to now has been exponential. I now feel confident working on crews for Outside Broadcasts to cover live events, particularly those of sports such as football and rugby. I am now in the position where I am fully operational with QTV and looking forward to starting my new position as a camera operator/warehouse assistant with them.”
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Alison Goring, Head of NFTS Scotland said; “NFTS Scotland is committed to fostering the growth of Scotland’s TV entertainment and sports sector by delivering training to develop local talent. We are thrilled to have partnered with QTV and BBC Studioworks to deliver this unique programme, with support from Screen Scotland and Glasgow City Council.”
Lucy Lake, QTV Director of People and Purpose added; “QTV has worked with NFTS Scotland, BBC Studioworks and Screen Scotland over a number of years to design the best placement-based traineeship that would effectively and efficiently boost the Scottish workforce in craft and technical roles within the Outside Broadcast and Studio industries. Together we delivered a variety of hands-on experience with good consistency. I am extremely proud to see that these efforts have resulted in 6 work and freelance-ready individuals who can now thrive in the Scottish Broadcast Industry.”
Antony Brown, BBC Studioworks Creative Diversity Partner said; “It’s been fantastic to work together with new partners and help train some of the next generation of craft talent over the past year. We have been delighted with all the opportunities that have come the trainee’s way in the past year, in particular the QTV experience with varied outside broadcast events and studio based programmes via Fremantle Productions. I would like to wish all students every success for their future careers.”
The National Film and Television School and it’s partners would like to offer a huge congratulations to the six trainees for completing the programme, we can’t wait to see what they go on to achieve!
Find out more about NFTS Scotland here: nfts.co.uk/nfts-scotland