Channel 4's Rio Production Training Scheme 2015-2016 open for applications
At the 2012 London Paralympics, 50% of Channel 4's on-screen team were disabled people. That included three anchor presenters and many reporters. For Rio 2016 they are planning another revolution – this time behind the camera.
Channel 4 is committed to promoting equal opportunities. In order to promote diversity in the media industry, and to address the under-representation of disabled people in particular, they are offering 24 Rio Production Training Scheme places to disabled applicants.
The aim is to train up disabled production staff to the level required to work on the Rio Paralympic Games in 2016, and beyond that to build a career in sport production.
The Scheme offers an opportunity for entry level and junior talent to join the industry and learn the skills necessary in three possible roles:
- Junior Researcher/Assistant Producer (broadcast or digital)
- Junior Production Secretary/Coordinator
- Technical/Production assistant.
Working a 12-month contract in the sports/sports news production sector, trainees will receive a well-rounded and structured industry experience. Monthly training facilitated and held at Channel 4 will provide trainees with important knowledge and skills needed to become successful in the industry.
In 2016 towards the end of the 12 month placement, trainees will be interviewed for a place on the Sunset+Vine production team for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games which start in September 2016.
This scheme allows you to work on some amazing projects, gain important skills and meet inspirational creative leaders. All of these can help you to build a great future and career in our industry.
How do I get started?
All you need to do is complete the online application form, submit your CV and upload a short video on YouTube explaining your reasons for wanting to join the scheme and answering some key questions about your knowledge of and passion for sport on tv and online.
What happens next?
After the closing date we assess all the submissions and invite the best applicants to an interview. As you can imagine, they get a lot of applications! So, unfortunately they will only contact you if you're successful in getting through to the second stage and they aren't able to provide feedback to unsuccessful applicants due to the sheer volume of applications.
The interviews will take place on 14 and 16 April 2015. Training starts on 18 May 2015 and placements start in June 2015.
If you're serious about working in TV, please keep those dates free as they won't be able to move them.
What kind of people are you looking for?
You don't need any particular qualifications. But you do need to be ambitious and passionate about sport, as well as dedicated and hard-working. You need to be ready to push boundaries and challenge people's thinking. After all, they're looking for people who will help shape the next generation of programming, bringing fresh ideas to the table.
Which companies could I work for?
There will be opportunities to work at some of the UK's top sports production digital and broadcasting companies. You will learn more about these if you successfully reach interview stage.
Application deadline
To ensure your application is considered for the 2015 PTS, you must make sure you've completed all written questions and submitted your YouTube link by midnight on 23rd Feb 2015.
