HETV bursaries: funding the next step

For over a decade the High-end TV Skills Fund has been committed to supporting the UK workforce by investing in training tailored to those at every stage of their screen career.

In addition to training initiatives, inclusive access opportunities, on-the-job placements and industry-guided learning, the Fund has developed a range of bursaries to help remove some of the financial obstacles to career progression. These cash grants serve as an example of the Fund’s commitment to improve the accessibility of the industry and can be used for a range of training, equipment and travel purposes.

Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end Television, ScreenSkills, said: “We all know that money can become a huge barrier – not only to entry but for progress – within our industry. The Fund has a demonstrable record of opening doors and providing pathways that aim to ensure everyone has that chance to succeed in this industry and by removing some of that financial burden, these bursaries allow people to take part in bespoke training programmes, purchase that vital bit of kit, pay for driving lessons or support access requirements that can really help them make that next step on their journey.”

By tying certain bursaries to specific role grades and areas, they allow the Fund to focus on the areas highlighted by industry as of most need. These decisions, shaped by the Fund’s collaborations with industry, are decided by its Working Groups comprised of industry decision makers working in HETV to provide targeted and considered support.

Electrical training bursaries were open to practicing professionals in the lighting department and to put towards the cost of approved courses and recommended qualifications.

A Post and VFX bursary initiative offered successful applicants up to £5,000 to cover the costs of everything from training and mentoring to travel and accommodation expenses. Tom Kimber was one of those who successfully applied and used the money to help advance his career by taking part in a short course at Escape Studios. He said: "Applying for the HETV Post & VFX bursary at ScreenSkills was my first step and is now going to fund my place on the VFX Producing short course at Escape Studios which begins in the new year. This will hopefully allow me to dust off any cobwebs and learn new skills, to return to the job I love and miss so much!”. 

For Lucy Watt, the bursary came at just the right time: “I can honestly say it was a life saver.  Having lost my staff job earlier in the year - down to the challenging times the industry has endured this past year or so - I was faced with the prospect of being freelance and having to work with what little kit I had.  Very often bursaries and grants aren't available to those with experience and so I was just about to plunge myself into debt when I saw this bursary.  I applied and was awarded the money.  I now have equipment that I will be able to use for the next ten years and I can honestly say I am so so thankful. It could not have come at a more life saving time!”

This year the Fund supported an access funding initiative for deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent crew, cementing a commitment to accessibility across the production landscape. Dr Laurence Clark, from partnering disabled-led organisation TripleC, said: “Deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent crew face numerous barriers to working in HETV. These include barriers around attitudes, stereotypes and misconceptions, as well as barriers around bureaucracy and long waiting times associated with the government's Access to Work scheme. This bursary initiative has funded a wide range of support, including equipment, software, training, coaching, aids and driving lessons, which has enabled DDN crew to stay working in the industry." 

In the new year, the Fund is to launch an additional bursary allowance to provide support to those from under-represented groups within the industry.

As conversations around access and financial barriers continue within the industry, the HETV Skills Fund aims to ensure that entry, progression and success within HETV will not be determined by the make-up of a bank account.