Leaders of Tomorrow opens applications for new cohort

The High-end TV Skills Fund has opened applications for the fourth cohort of the Leaders of Tomorrow programme. Launched in 2021, the initiative was developed to meet industry demand for more effective career pathways to encourage diversity in leadership roles across the sector.

Industry professionals are invited to nominate those working in a range of departments who they feel are ready to take the next step in their career journey and move up in their role. The selected candidates will then be championed in a comprehensive programme of mentoring, masterclasses, bespoke training and paid on-the-job learning opportunities over the next three years.

Hannah Green, Senior High-end TV Professional Skills and Projects Manager, ScreenSkills, said: “We are incredibly happy to open the nomination process for the fourth cohort of the Leaders of Tomorrow programme. Over the years it has helped develop the skills and leadership abilities of participants from a wide range of backgrounds, roles and departments across the UK. It’s an incredibly important part of our industry and the tailored training and experience candidates receive as part of the programme provides vital development opportunities to those working within it.”

There are 16 places on the programme, with support from High-end TV Skills Fund, industry contributions from high-end TV (HETV) productions, and additional funding by the BBC. Candidates will receive access to a mentor, funding towards equipment and the opportunity to access a team of HETV professionals for tailored one-to-one support and industry networking opportunities.

They will join the 66 members of previous cohorts whose progression has been supported by the programme, with the first cohort finishing this September.

Producer and HETV Skills Council member Adam Knopf used the programme on his recent production, BBC drama Lost Boys and Fairies, and encourages others to do similar. He said: “Leaders of Tomorrow is a really important programme for our industry. The training provided and the opportunities that the candidates receive really offer the blend of technical and soft skills that is so important for leadership roles across all departments. As a nominator myself, I’ve seen the effect the programme has first hand and know the impact it can have on those looking to make that vital next step in their journey.”

VFX producer Monika Chowdhary Kuczynski was part of the programme’s first cohort. She said: “The access to leadership, management and communication training, as well as professional coaching through Leaders of Tomorrow, has been immensely empowering. The scheme has really allowed me to identify and promote my strengths and take a seat at “the table”, so to speak. It’s also introduced me to a cohort of incredibly talented, driven and downright lovely people whom I now consider friends.” 

Editor Jasmin John, a member of cohort two, said: "The Leaders of Tomorrow programme has significantly shaped both my personal and professional development. The unique structure of the programme continues to provide me with access to industry, training and resources specifically tailored to support my future in the TV industry as a senior leader and changemaker."

Ahead of starting his three-year journey on the programme, cohort three member Niall Strawson said: “Leaders of tomorrow will allow me to learn from others and through placements, identify where I will excel as a leader. As a producer with a disability, diversity and representation are important to me. I feel this programme will allow me to combine my lived experience with the training offered to make me a future leader in TV.”