How the HETV Skills Fund is supporting training for new technologies

For over a decade the High-end TV Skills Fund has been committed to supporting and developing the screen workforce across the UK. Guided by industry professionals who make up the skills council and working groups, the Fund invests in tailored training shaped to meet the needs of the sector. As the production landscape evolves so does the need for skills to develop to accommodate new technologies.  

The Fund’s ability to respond swiftly to industry evolution means it is also in step with the government’s aims to put AI at the heart of their plans for growth, with support made available through the Fund adapted to fit the latest requirements.

Kaye Elliott, Director of High-end Television, ScreenSkills, said: “The world of production is one that’s constantly changing, both in terms of the content created and the technologies used to help create it. It’s hugely important that we encourage the workforce to develop skills so that they are comfortable in working alongside these technologies and understand how their roles can be enhanced through exciting new tools. The Fund is using targeting investment to help to provide that training to support our workforce by equipping them with the necessary skills to thrive in any environment.”

Putting this commitment into action, the Fund, in collaboration with the Film Skills Fund, commissioned new research to investigate the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on 20 distinct freelance roles within HETV. This research, delivered by The Academy of Live Technology, aimed to identify specific software and technological tools that HETV freelancers can leverage to enhance their professional capabilities.

The findings enabled the Fund to assess and implement necessary training interventions across various HETV departments, with a particular focus on crucial areas such as secure data management protocols for HETV productions across the UK.

The resulting skills checklists provide a comprehensive analysis of AI's projected impact on the specified job roles, outlining strategies for future-proofing professional skill sets and identifying available tools to apply to productions. 

Further support from the Fund has sought to address skills gaps across technologies through the development of training within this field. Training developed by the Fund has invited professionals to work with virtual production studios, understand the core competencies involved and develop soft skills that help in leading teams in different spaces.

Through this focus, in line with the ScreenSkills five-year strategy release last autumn, the Fund aims to future-proof the workforce by sharing insights on emerging technologies like Generative AI and virtual production, building on existing initiatives. This approach will identify current and future skills gaps, guiding targeted training investments to help grow a skilled and adaptable workforce ready to continue to make the shows the world loves to watch.