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Sky Studios Elstree

Sky Apprenticeships

OVERVIEW

Are you ready to take on your first big Industry role?

If you are committed to working in the film and television industry, have brilliant organisation skills and want to work in production management, then this is the opportunity for you. Get paid as you learn!

Sky logo - In partnership with Sky

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"We want young people from all backgrounds to see a future for themselves in our industry, have the opportunity to succeed, and help ensure our industry continues to thrive."

Cécile Frot-Coutaz
CEO, Sky Studios and Chief Content Officer, Sky

The National Film and Television School (NFTS) is partnering with Sky Entertainment for their L4 Junior Production Coordinator Apprenticeship, and are excited to support an initiative aimed at expanding opportunities within the industry.

The Apprentices will:

  • Receive a 15-month contract of employment with the NFTS to complete their apprenticeship
  • Gain hands on skills, knowledge and experience from experts in the industry
  • Work on some of the biggest TV productions currently being made in the UK for Sky Entertainment
  • Learn key Production Management skills and apply this in the workplace
  • Access training and support from the NFTS, which is widely regarded to be one of the top film schools in the world
  • Be awarded a Level 4 Junior Production Coordinator apprenticeship (comparable to a Higher National Certificate (HNC)) on successful completion of the programme

We especially encourage applications from individuals who have been historically underrepresented, including people from racially diverse backgrounds, disabled individuals and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We are committed to providing support and accommodations for individuals with accessibility or adjustment needs at every stage of the application process. 

Selection Process

Stage 1

The NFTS will review all eligible applications and compile a shortlist.

We will be looking for applicants who show a level of commitment, passion and skills from past experiences. Please give details of interests or other activities you have done that would be an asset in the Film and TV industry. Transferable skills are important, as is any extra-curricular work – e.g., work with charities, on social media and independent content producing.

Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via email. However, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide individual feedback at this point.

30 shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend a short online interview between Monday 19th - Friday 23rd October. Successful applicants will be invited to an in-person selection workshop.
 

Stage 2

Following the online interviews, 5 applicants will be shortlisted to attend the selection workshop, and you will be notified by Tuesday 3rd November if you have progressed to this stage. 

The selection workshop will take place in person on Thursday 12th November, hosted at the NFTS in Beaconsfield. Please do not apply for the apprenticeship if you are not available on this date. 

The selection workshop will involve participating in practical workshops and an interview.

Before being approved for attendance at the selection workshop, applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship, and of their Maths and English qualifications.

After the selection workshop, the NFTS will write to all candidates to advise them of the outcome by the end of November. Unsuccessful candidates who attend the selection workshop will receive individual written feedback.

Apprenticeship contracts officially begin on 6th January 2027 and run until 31st March 2028.  Your NFTS induction will start on 6th January 2027, and in-person training at the NFTS in Beaconsfield will start on 11th January 2027.

Please make every attempt to attend our briefing session – our online open day is listed on our events page – as this will probably answer most of your questions, help you understand the process and give you a better chance of being successful.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is the closing date for applications?
A: Applications close on Friday 18th September. 

Q: How many Apple TV+ Apprenticeships are available?
A: There are TWO apprentices available.

Q: What happens if I apply after the deadline has closed? 
A: Your application will not be considered. 

Q: If I previously applied for the Prime Video Production Academy or Apple TV apprenticeship, can I still apply for this Sky Entertainment apprenticeship?
A: Yes, you can apply again.

Q: What happens if I am successful in my application, but I don’t live near where the productions are taking place or the training course? 
A: You need to be located – or relocate – to be near to the NFTS in Beaconsfield to benefit fully from the apprenticeship on offer. You may need to commute or even move away from home temporarily to work on production. 

Q: If I relocate will the programme support with relocation fees or housing? 
A: We are unable to support relocation fees or housing so you will need to be able to be based a commutable distance from Beaconsfield (London). Production takes place all over the UK so apprentices should be prepared to commute or temporarily relocate at points during their apprenticeship. Apprentices will often be expected to travel to work at offices and studios within the M25 – you must be able to do this from your home address for early morning starts.

Q: Which productions will I get to work on?
A: Due to the nature of production, it isn’t possible to confirm which productions apprentices will work on in advance or where they will be based. Production takes place all over the UK so apprentices should be prepared to commute or temporarily relocate at points during their apprenticeship. 

Q: What is the difference between scripted and unscripted television?
A: Unscripted television includes reality TV, documentaries, game shows and factual entertainment, where the content is based on real people, events, or spontaneous interactions rather than fictional stories. This is in contrast to scripted television, which would cover dramas whereby there is a preexisting plot and script in place.

Q: What hours will I work? 
A: During training, your weekly hours will be based on a standard 35-hour week. However, during production placements, standard hours will increase to 40 hours per week. Please note that placement schedules will reflect production requirements and may involve variable working patterns including early starts, late finishes and shift work.

Q: If I’m busy or working on the dates of the selection workshop, can I still take part in this programme? 
A: No, attendance at the Selection Workshop is a compulsory part of the process.

Q: I’m under 18, but I really want to start working, can I apply? 
A: Due to health and safety, all applicants must be 18 or over on or before 1st January 2027.

Q: Is this aimed at school/college/uni leavers only? 
A: While we have a minimum age of 18, there is no maximum age. We would welcome applications from those with transferable skills who might be looking to move into the TV and Film industry.

Q: What's the pay? 
A: You will be paid a salary of £28,000 per annum before tax.

Q: If I am successful, when will I start? 
A: The start date will be 7th January 2025

Q: Will I be eligible for holiday leave? 
A: As an employee of the NFTS, you will receive 20 days of paid leave per year plus bank holidays. When you can take it will need to be negotiated and agreed in advance.

Q: Do I need to have a driving licence? 
A: You do not need a driving licence to apply for this scheme. However, because production locations and working hours can vary, holding a valid licence is a definite plus.

Q: I know I want to be a Director / Screenwriter is this the right thing for me? I want to work in editorial roles – eg researcher is this the right course for me? 
A: No, this is only for people who want to work in Production Management.

Q: I’m already working in my chosen specialism, is this the right thing for me? 
A: This is a foundation training scheme. If you’re already working in production management, this is not the right scheme for you.

Q: The website says that you welcome applications from historically excluded groups. What does that mean? 
A: The under-represented groups we look at primarily relate to the protected characteristics as defined in the UK Equality Act 2010. You should use the following list as a guide for what areas of historically excluded groups we are seeking to address: 

  • Age
  • Disability
  • Gender reassignment
  • Pregnancy and maternity
  • Race 
  • Religion or belief
  • Sex
  • Sexual orientation

In addition to the protected characteristics recognised by the Act, the NFTS also seeks to address historically excluded groups in the following areas

  • Regional participation
  • Socio-economic inclusion
  • Caring responsibilities

Q: What adjustment and accessibility support is available? 
A: We aim to support the needs of our deaf, disabled and neurodivergent applicants and will work with the individual(s) on a case-by-case basis to determine their needs. In the past, we have made provisions which have included: additional support with the application process and providing external support during the apprenticeship.

Q: What work is involved in achieving my apprenticeship? 
A: During the apprenticeship, you will have to complete a range of assignments to demonstrate that you have developed the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours outlined in the Standard. During the last three months of the apprenticeship, you will deliver a presentation as part of your end point assessment, and then questioned by an assessor. You will also have a professional discussion underpinned by a portfolio of evidence. The training you receive will prepare you for this, and you will receive ongoing mentoring support throughout the apprenticeship. 

Q: What happens at the end of apprenticeship? 
A: Upon completion of the programme, the NFTS will work with the individual participants to plan and support their next steps. And, of course, you will have built valuable connections and gained skills and experience that are very much in demand in the industry. We can’t guarantee you will be offered further work. 

Q: Will I be supported throughout the programme?
A: Yes, you will be fully supported throughout the programme. The Apprenticeship Team based at the NFTS, will be available to offer guidance, support and advice to the apprentices. You will also receive support from our expert tutors. Additionally, the NFTS will coordinate each apprentice’s placement on TV productions to ensure a valuable and inclusive learning experience.

Q: Can I apply for an apprenticeship as an international student?
A: Yes, although apprentices must live and be eligible to work in the UK. Applicants born overseas but who live in the UK must meet additional eligibility criteria which can be found on the Department for Education website.

Q: Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
A: Due to government apprenticeship funding rules, you will not be eligible for an apprenticeship if:

  • You are resident in the United Kingdom on a student visa (although there are exceptions to this)
  • Are in the United Kingdom on holiday, with or without a visa
  • Have overstayed your immigration or visitor visa
  • Are a family member of a person granted a student visa, have been given immigration permission to stay in the UK and have not been ordinarily resident in the UK for the previous three years on the first day of learning
  • Are ordinarily resident in the Channel Islands or Isle of Man, unless you are also ordinarily resident within England
  • Have a biometric residence permit or residence permit imposing a study prohibition or restriction on the individual

If you are unsure about the criteria listed below, please contact us via appleapprenticeships@nfts.co.uk

Q: How many days will I get to study?
A: At least 20% of your time on the apprenticeship will be spent studying towards your End Point Assessment. This could be in the form of block release, virtual or face to face.

If you have any further questions, please contact us via appleapprenticeships@nfts.co.uk