TV or film camera operator apprenticeships

Creative and media

TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

a university course

a college course

working towards the role

volunteering

industry training

University

You can take a university course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include degrees in media production, media technology or photography. It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.

College

You can take a college course, like:

Level 2 Diploma In Creative Media Production & Technology
Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
Level 3 Diploma in Photography

You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course.

Work

You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.

Volunteering

You can get practical experience and build up your contacts through:

community film projects
working for a camera equipment hire company
finding work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a production company

Other Routes

You may be able to apply for the Guild of British Camera Technicians' Trainee Scheme which offers training and mentoring by experienced people working in the industry. The application process is very competitive. You can also do short courses through the National Film and Television School.

TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
knowledge of media production and communication
to be flexible and open to change
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
the ability to work well with others
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
excellent verbal communication skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you might:

set up camera equipment
choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles
plan and rehearse shots
follow a camera script
work closely with other technical departments

Working environment

You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set. Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

Career path and progression - TV or film camera operator apprenticeships

With experience, you could become a camera supervisor, cinematographer or director of photography. You could specialise in a particular field, like underwater filming, aerial photography or wildlife work.

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Considering an Apprenticeship?

There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

Paid Training
Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
Range of career opportunities
There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
Earn & learn
As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
Great career prospects
Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
Learn on the job
There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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