Want to Get Into Media?

FANCY being a TV producer? Reckon you’ve got what it takes to become a researcher? Or maybe you’d prefer to pamper celebrities in the TV make-up and hair department?

Wherever your interests may lie, Cheshire residents who want to carve out a career in TV are to be offered exclusive, FREE training to help them take their first steps up the industry ladder.

For the first time ever in the UK, men and women living in Cheshire and Warrington are being offered exclusive industry training, which will not only prepare them for their future career, but will also earn them a City and Guilds Qualification recognised by Skillset.

Taught at Mid-Cheshire College in Northwich, the Industry Induction Certificate is being delivered by Northwest Vision + Media, which works on behalf of the TV, film, radio and digital content industries to grow a world-class media economy in England’s Northwest.

“In just two weeks, anyone going on the course will be given comprehensive training in subjects like how best to market themselves, by creating a CV that gets them noticed. There’ll also be sessions on how to approach people already working in the industry, as well as extensive, expert advice about the range of careers available within TV,” explains Deborah Parker, Projects Coordinator at Northwest Vision + Media.

Although the Certificate has been available via paid-for courses in London, this is the first time it is being offered anywhere in the country, for free.

Trainees who have already benefited from the Industry Induction Certificate have since gone on to secure paid placement opportunities in TV, while others are out there making real progress and contacts within the industry.

The course is just part of a range of training opportunities currently provided by Northwest Vision + Media.

“We also offer two other unique training courses, designed especially for people living or working within Cheshire and Warrington,” explains Simon Knight, Project Coordinator for Northwest Vision + Media.

“Digit-elle is a scheme aimed at helping to develop the skills of women entering the digital media industries, and Digit-homme is a new, innovative training and development scheme which supports talented men from Cheshire and Warrington into non-traditional roles with in the media industry,” explains Simon.

Anyone accepted on the free Digit-elle or Digit-homme programmes are initially invited to an advice session at the BBC, in Manchester, where an advisor will draw up an individual career development plan.

“This development plan will help people clarify their professional aims, identify potential training needs and support them in realising their aspirations for working within the digital media industries,” says Simon.

Whether it’s occupational training such as Final Cut Pro Editing, or a DV Camera operating course, being part of these schemes can offer expert advice and guidance.

Placements are also available, offering up to 12 weeks work experience within the industry. Training allowances are available, in addition to access to an industry mentor. Recent placements have taken place at the BBC, and independent production companies such as Red and Objective North.

“There really are so many opportunities out there for people who want to establish a career within the TV industry, and it’s part of Northwest Vision + Media’s role to help people access those opportunities,” adds Simon.

· To find out more about Digit-elle, Digit-homme, or the Industry Induction Certificate, please contact Simon Knight on 0161 244 4636 or email simonk@visionandmedia.co.uk