TV or film production runner apprenticeships

Creative and media

TV or film production runner apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

a university course

a college course

an apprenticeship

working towards this role

volunteering

applying directly

training with a professional body

University

You could do a degree course although it's not essential. Relevant subjects include:

creative media production
film and television production
film and TV studies

You might find it helpful to choose a course that includes practical skills, work placements and the chance to make industry contacts. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent, for a degree.

College

You could take a college course, which may help you to get into the industry. Courses include:

Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques
Level 3 Diploma in Creative Media Production

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

Apprenticeship

You may be able to do an apprenticeship as a broadcast production assistant. The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 also offer apprenticeship opportunities. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths.

Work

You could start by working for a sound or camera equipment hire company to get some experience.

Volunteering

Get as much practical experience as you can. This will show employers that you're committed to learning more about the industry. You can build useful experience through activities like:

student film or TV productions
community or student radio
work experience placements

You'll also get the opportunity to meet people already working in TV and film. Building a network of contacts could help you when you start looking for work. The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 offer work experience placements, and 'insight' and 'talent days'. Competition can be tough, but if you're successful, it will help you get a better understanding of the industry. You can search for film and TV companies to approach for experience through media business listing services like PACT and The Knowledge.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to become a runner. This job is often seen as a first step into the industry and employers could be more interested in your enthusiasm and initiative than your formal qualifications. Any work experience you can get will also help.

Other Routes

You could join The Production Guild. It's a membership organisation for professionals working in UK film and television. It offers training including a Runner's Basic Training workshop for people who want to get into the industry. You should show that you have administrative and organisational skills, so any previous experience in areas like office work, customer service or hospitality would be useful. Having a fast typing speed and shorthand skills may also be helpful.

TV or film production runner apprenticeships - what it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

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

TV or film production runner apprenticeships - what you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

collecting and delivering equipment and scripts
distributing messages and post, and running errands
filing and photocopying
answering the phone and greeting visitors
driving vehicles around sets or between locations
finding props
keeping sets clean and tidy
looking after studio guests, getting lunches and making tea and coffee

Working environment

You could work at a TV studio or at a film studio.

Career path and progression - TV or film production runner apprenticeships

If you already have some industry experience or have completed training, then you may be able to apply for a Creative Skillset Trainee placement. With experience, you could move into a production assistant, assistant producer (AP) or producer role.

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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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