Outside broadcast assistant technical manager training programme

Are you interested in exploring a career move into an outside broadcast (OB) technical role?

If so, this brand new initiative from the Unscripted TV Skills Fund could be for you.

We are offering 3-month paid placements as an Assistant Technical Manager working alongside an experienced Technical Manager (TM) on sports, live events, or studio-based shows.

Resistant to many of the hurdles symptomatic of the current downturn, outside broadcastig is an area that offers opportunities to those with technical and transferable skills.

This is a fast-track programme and not suitable for those at entry level.

This training programme is supported by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund which invests in training for the unscripted workforce thanks to contributions from BBC, Channel 4, Sky, A+E Networks UK, Discovery UK, Channel 5, Netflix, ITV, Amazon, UKTV and S4C matched by production companies.

Who it's for

This programme is aimed at those with some experience in either unscripted TV, or in a technical role in a related area.

Host companies are keen to hear from people with a commitment to exploring a new career as an OB technical manager.

You could have production or editorial experience in live events, sports, or studio based shows and now seek a more technical role.

You could have experience as a multi-camera operator or director. Or have been working in other areas of content creation with a passion for all things technical.

We always welcome applications from under-represented groups, including, but not limited to: those from Minority Ethnic Groups; people with a disability; people from the LGBTQ+ community and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

We offer inclusive training. If you have any needs which we can accommodate during the recruitment process and beyond, please let us know and we will be happy to work with you to meet them.

Contact: USF@screenskills.com

If you represent either an outside broadcast company or a production company working on a show using an outside broadcast company and you would be open to hosting a shadowing placement, please register your interest here today and someone from the unscripted team will be in touch.

What it covers

Training will take place on-the-job over 12-weeks between October and December 2024 approx.

Each placement will have a tailored training plan taking into account the company's and individual's needs, but all will include training in the following:

• Understanding the different formats and specifications (Vision, Sound, Transmission (incl IP/connectivity and satellite), VT, Comms (talkback).
• Understanding the production requirements and budgets, translating them into technical documents, Request For Price and selecting suppliers.
• Creating technical documents including specifications, workflows, understandable by the suppliers and the production teams.
• Supporting the production and technical teams during the planning stages.
• Being on site during the events to help ensure delivery is in accordance with the produced specifications, and being able to assess and address any last-minute issue to stay on track and deliver as per the specifications.
• H&S and producing disaster recovery plans.
• Debriefs and follow ups.

All placements will be paid positions with the Unscripted TV Skills Fund offering a salary contribution to the host company.

Where possible, placements will be in the home region of each individual but, in some cases, this may not be possible. Individuals will be able to apply for additional travel and accommodation bursaries on a case by case basis.

How to apply

Click the 'Apply now' button above.

In order to be eligible for this programme you must have existing technical or unscripted tv experience.

You must have a demonstrable desire to re/train as an assistant TM in outside broadcasting, and be available to complete a 12-week shadowing placement.

Shortlisted applicants will have their applications, CVs, and contact details shared with host companies, who will interview and select the successful candidate.

By submitting your application you agree to ScreenSkills sharing this data. If you have any questions related to this please contact  USF@screenskills.com