Outside broadcast assistant technical manager training programme – Wales

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

If so, this new opportunity as part of an ongoing initiative from the Unscripted TV Skills Fund could be for you.

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

Resistant to many of the hurdles symptomatic of the current downturn, outside broadcasting 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, Hearst 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; it is not suitable for those at entry level.

The opportunity will require the successful individuals to work from the company base in Cardiff full-time for the 3-month period. As such, it is only suitable to either individuals already based in Wales, or those willing and able to relocate for the duration.

If you're based in London or the South East, or can easily relocate there, we're running a similar programme there with another company. If interested, you can apply here.

The host company is 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 

What it covers

Training will take place on-the-job in Wales over 12-weeks between mid-January and April 2025 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.

Individuals will be able to apply for additional partial travel and accommodation bursaries on a case by case basis. These will not be able to cover the full cost of relocation if you are based outside of Wales, so please consider carefully before applying for the programme. 

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.

You must be either based in Wales, or be willing and able to relocate for the duration.

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

Judging information

We hope to confirm whether you have been shortlisted for interview by the week commencing 2nd December 2024.

Interviews will likely take place during the week commencing 9th December 2024.

These dates are potentially subject to change.