The Film Skills Fund supports ScreenSkills initiatives, such as our Film Trainee Finder programme, and third-party programmes dedicated to helping the next generation of diverse, talented film professionals. These schemes help train, place, and position new entrants in the UK film industry, helping create a new generation of talent and skills. The fund is investing in training in skills that are identified as priorities through research and input from leading employers on the Film Skills Council.
ScreenSkills film schemes for new entrants
Trainee Finder
Trainee Finder is a paid placement scheme which matches trainees with productions to offer proper on-the-job experience. The programme includes training courses and industry masterclasses on issues such as health and safety and set etiquette to prepare successful candidates for working in film and to improve their employability.
To be eligible to receive trainees from Trainee Finder, productions must pay into the Film Skills Fund. In return, the scheme will contribute up to £325 per week of a trainee’s salary with a placement lasting anytime between four and 20 weeks. The total financial contribution depends on several factors, including the budget of the film.
Skills transfer programmes
We run programmes that aim to tackle skills shortages identified by the industry by taking advantage of existing expertise the in the local workforce. Potential candidates will be offered and introduction to the screen industries with a view to helping them find roles on productions. Examples of skills transfer programmes are Skills to Screen (formerly Skills to Film), Veterans in Focus and Architectures to Art Department.