On 24^th September, the Prime Minister announced plans to change apprenticeships to provide greater flexibility – in response, we had a great roundtable at the Engine Shed, with inputs from all aspects of the apprenticeship picture. This article focusses on support.

There are important steps leading up to apprenticeships, from work experience to more formal bootcamps. Jane Coulter previously worked for IntoFilm, and now runs the West of England Film/High-End TV Workforce Development Programme from The Bottle Yard studios. It is designed to de-mystify the industry and open up those craft roles that range from camera, lighting and locations to set building and costume. It’s just started its 3^rd round with an Intro Webinar on October 7^th with 100 participants, and a process that whittles those down to provide a 5-week course for the 20 top candidates, hosted online and at The Bottle Yard. So far, 15 people have been taken on by the production companies working at the Studios or other businesses servicing production in the region .

The programme is funded by the West of England Combined Authority, but this funding ends in March 2025 and other sources are currently being explored. Can we identify the natural next step for public-sector support?

Jane Deane and Katie Green from the Western Training Providers Network connects training and education providers across the West of England to share opportunities, best practices, and collaborate for maximum impact. It also operates the region’s Levy Share scheme, in which companies with a payroll more than £3m and thus subject to the Levy can gift their payment to other companies.

They will support the crucial 5 steps to success :

Research: identifying apprenticeship standards and crafting a bespoke Apprenticeship Development Plan tailored to the company needs.

Find a Training Provider: arranging meetings, facilitating handovers, and assisting with paperwork once the provider has been selected.

Advertise: helping to write ads to attract diverse applicants, creating promotional materials, and sharing vacancies via the WTPN network and social media.

Funding Options: exploring available funding based on the apprentice’s age.

Set Up for Success: Supporting with shortlisting, interviews, and contracts to ensure a smooth start

And they’re easy to find – based in Engine Shed, and with regular drop-in sessions :

Engine Shed, Temple Meads, Bristol – Every Wednesday, 9am – 1pm

Future Space, Stoke Gifford, Bristol – The first Thursday of the Month, 10am – 12.00pm

The latest addition to the WTPN support network is the BBC! – Louise Brown is their Industry Partnership Manager.

Funding covers the training cost, but not the apprentices’ wages. The final thought from the meeting was “Why Not?”

About VID Communications

VID is a consultancy run by Paul Appleby, developing collaborations in creative technology and promoting the region nationally.