Screenworks has today opened applications for the second year of their Regional Crew Traineeship program, delivered in partnership with Netflix with the support of the NSW Government and Screen Queensland.
This entry-level initiative will provide three trainees with an unmissable paid opportunity to gain a solid introduction to the Australian screen industry and develop their knowledge through professional on-the-job work placements and study.
Two selected trainees from Northern NSW and one from North Queensland will complete their traineeships and study with TAFE NSW to gain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Screen & Media in the process. The program started as a pilot project in Northern New South Wales in 2022 and has been extended to Queensland in 2023, with plans to scale into other regions across Australia in the future.
Screenworks and Netflix particularly want to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds or who are financially disadvantaged and 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 full-time to the traineeship.
Ken Crouch, Screenworks CEO, is excited for another year of Northern NSW traineeships and is proud that Screenworks has launched the program for North Queensland, with the support of Screen Queensland:
“It has been incredibly rewarding to witness the four trainees develop their skills and kickstart their careers this past year. They’ve taken the opportunities presented to them and created long-lasting relationships with practitioners that will stand them in good stead for the future. I’m excited that Screenworks can provide more opportunities to three new trainees in Northern NSW and FNQ in 2023”.
2022 Screenworks Trainee Ky Crethar speaks of the past year with great positivity:
“The highlight of my Traineeship so far has been working in the Grip Department on the feature film ‘Land of Bad’ on the Gold Coast. I came into this industry looking to work on theatrical blockbusters and wouldn’t have been able to do so without this Traineeship Experience. I was on set in the thick of it and I loved it. “
“The most valuable lesson I have learnt during this Traineeship is that you really have to put yourself out there to create a career in the industry. Having the skills is only useful if you let people know that you have them. Talk to everybody on sets and never burn bridges because you never know where your next job will come from.”
Eden Cansdell, one of Ky’s fellow trainees, also added:
“From the moment I started my first placement it has been go go go – which I love! My first placement was with Goalpost pictures near Airlie Beach working in the Art Department. I was thrown into the deep end, but with amazingly talented and supportive people around me I learnt loads and found my place. I am now working with some of the same people in Brisbane for Hoodlum in the role of props buying/standby props and can’t wait to see where I’ll be heading next!”
“This traineeship has taught me on-the-job skills, tips & tricks around the industry that I will be able to carry with me in the future & most importantly, that we don’t work as individuals in the TV/film industry. It’s all about the team and how well everyone works together to get the job done. I feel very lucky to be learning from all the amazing people I have met along the way.”
Applications are now open and will close at 08:00am (AEDT) Monday 28th November 2022. The traineeships are due to start in February 2023.
To find out more and apply, please visit www.screenworks.com.au/traineeships.
Screenworks is also looking for Production Companies and Heads of Departments from across Australia interested in taking on trainees for work placements in 2023. Placements can be based in Northern NSW, South East Queensland, North Queensland or beyond. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest.
Screenworks are delivering the Regional Crew Development Program in partnership with Netflix with the support of the NSW Government and Screen Queensland, through their North Queensland Regional Program.
