TV Freelances offered grants

TV Freelances Offered Grants

As the BBC prepares to Move North, the region’s TV professionals are being urged to apply for grants, to help them find future work in the industry.

Freelancers in the Northwest’s TV industry can now apply for 70% funding towards training of their choice, which will help them increase their future job prospects. The Skillset TV Freelancer Fund is being run by Media Training North West, the agency which strives to ensure the region’s media workforce has the skills to lead the industry in the 21st Century multi-media landscape.

“There’s never been a more exciting time to be involved in Northwest media, particularly with the growth of Mediacity: UK and the BBC’s decision to relocate key departments to Salford,” says Lynne McCadden, Chief Executive of Media Training North West.

“Now, more than ever before, our fabulous freelancers are going to be in high demand. That’s why I would urge people to take advantage of the support being offered through our Skillset TV Freelance Fund,” adds Lynn.

Once an application has been approved, freelancers will be able to use their grant to access training of their choice, anywhere in the country.

Application is straightforward and once accepted people can access training anywhere in the UK, to suit their individual needs. In previous years, freelancers have used the scheme to fund further training in areas as diverse as Final Cut Pro Certification, DV camera training, art direction and media hairdressing.

Applications from freelancers with disabilities and those from diverse cultural backgrounds, currently underrepresented in the regional workforce, are particularly welcome. The deadline for applications is June 30.

· For more information about the scheme, contact deborah@mtnw.co.uk or call 0161 244 4187.
· Log on to www.mtnw.co.uk/freelancers.asp for regular updates on the Skillset TV Freelance Fund.

Please note that this scheme is for those currently working in the UK TV industry with at least 12 months paid freelance work under their belt.