Screenworks has today opened applications for the first year of their Regional Crew Traineeship program being delivered in partnership with Netflix with the support of the NSW Government.
This new entry-level initiative will provide trainees with an unmissable paid opportunity to learn about the screen industry and develop their knowledge through a mix of professional on-the-job work placements backed up by on-campus training units at TAFE NSW Lismore.
Four selected trainees will complete their traineeships over the course of 12 months and gain a nationally recognised TAFE NSW Certificate III in Screen & Media in the process. The program will start as a pilot project in Northern New South Wales with the aim of scaling into other regions across Australia in the future.
Screenworks and Netflix particularly want to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds or financially disadvantaged who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study in the industry to apply. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate a passion for starting their career in the screen industry and be able to commit 12 months fulltime to the traineeship.
Ken Crouch, Screenworks CEO is proud that Screenworks has launched these screen industry traineeships for regional residents:
“Leveraging the support from our fantastic partners at Netflix, the NSW Government and TAFE NSW means that Screenworks are able to offer valuable and paid opportunities to those who are at the beginning of their screen careers.
“We would love to see this program increase diversity in the regional screen industry, so I strongly encourage anyone to apply to this program regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. I can’t wait to see how these trainees develop their skills and industry networks in 2022” said Mr Crouch.
Netflix Director of Studio & Production Affairs, APAC, Deb Richards, said Australia’s content production ecosystem has a fantastic reputation, but must be supported to grow.
“Creating a pipeline of up-and-coming, skilled professionals to service the production boom is essential, and the Screenworks Regional Crew Traineeship program will play an important role in doing this.
“The beauty of programs like this is they leave a positive impact in the community for many years to come, and we can’t wait to see what talent is unearthed now that applications are open.“
TAFE NSW Head Teacher of Creative Arts, Rohan Langford, said TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the skills needs of the sector to support its future workforce.
“TAFE NSW’s Screen and Media qualifications are designed to meet the specific skills needs of the sector and provide graduates with the practical production skills needed to work in the industry,” said Mr Langford.
“In the Certificate III in Screen and Media, students will get the chance to develop lighting, camera, and audio skills – and then combine this hands-on training with workplace experience as part of the traineeship.”
Applications are now open and will close at 08:00am (AEDT) Monday 8th November 2021. The traineeships are due to start in February 2022.
Screenworks will run an online information session at 2.00pm (AEDT) Tuesday 19th October where potential applicants will be able to ask questions and pick up tips about submitting a strong application.
To find out more and apply, please visit www.screenworks.com.au/traineeships
Screenworks are also looking for Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Australia who are interested in taking on trainees for work placements in 2022. Placements can be based in Northern NSW, South East Queensland or beyond. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest.
