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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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