Applications for the second round of First Post, the innovative new entrants’ trainee programme for the post production industry, are now open. Launched last year by Skillset and UK Screen's Post Production Training Committee, First Post was created to help employers provide structured development for junior employees. It is a modular scheme covering technical, commercial and customer skills and was developed with input from over 30 facility houses to ensure it matches sector needs. First Post is funded by the London Development Agency and industry investment.

The closing date for applications from companies wanting to take part is Monday 6 February with the scheme expected to start in March. Companies can apply online at: www.skillset.org/facilities/post or call 020 7520 5757 for an application form.

25 trainees based in a variety of companies across London have already completed the first round of the 6 month course and an award ceremony to mark their achievement was held on Monday 30 January at 01zero-one, the training provider delivering the scheme.

Gaynor Davenport, Chief Executive, UK Screen, Said:

“Members flagged sector training as one of the highest priorities for UK Screen and it is their combined expertise and sheer drive that has made First Post a reality. Because First Post was initiated and designed by industry professionals it equips students with the skills employers really want. This is great news for the employee, the employer and strengthens the post-production sector as a whole. A tremendous achievement; I hope we will soon see First Post roll out throughout the UK”.

Dinah Caine, Chief Executive, Skillset, said:

“First Post was designed by the industry for the industry. It is a tailor made solution of flexible work based training that overcomes some of the difficulties employers face in ensuring new talent is encouraged and developed in a way that is beneficial to both the company and the individual. These first rounds of 25 trainees a time are part of a pilot scheme. We hope to build on the immense success already achieved and roll out similar projects on a regional basis and we are grateful to the LDA for their financial support.”

Rowan Bray, member of UK Screen Training Committee and General Manager, DGP, said:

“As technology matures and budgets decrease the need for our staff to be technically and commercially aware has never been greater. Arguably schemes like this will ensure that London remains one of the best places to procure post production in the world.”

Criteria for company involvement;

• Based in London

• Provide two or more of the following as core activities: editing, sound, graphics, duplication and telecine.

• Must provide all its services to the majority of the open market.

• Demonstrate commitment to the future skills of the industry (e.g. by membership of appropriate trade bodies.)

• Limited Company

Criteria for employee involvement;

• Full time contract for duration of course

• Worked for no more than 12 months in the industry

• Working in a London post production company and interested in a career in the post production industries.

For further media enquiries please contact:

Skillset press office:

Eve Ragout

020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325

eve@skillset.org

Notes to Editor

1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. SSCs are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.

2. Members of the Post Production Training Committee of UK Post are: Michael Ashley, Director Ascent Media Group, Rowan Bray, General Manager, DGP; Neil Hatton, Managing Director, Frontier Post Ltd; Charles Leonard, Managing Director, Nats Post Production.

3. UK Screen is the trade body representing the post-production and special effects sector in the UK and internationally. UK Screen acts as a strategic lobbying body, support mechanism and voice of the sector with particular focus on fiscal, legislative and workforce issues. UK Screen Association

4. 01zero-one is the Creative Learning Lab at Westminster Kingsway College, a large college in central London based at six centres in Camden and Westminster offering a wide range of further, adult and higher education programmes. 01zero-one operates as a space for innovation, new thinking and new practice for creative learning, skills development and networking across London's creative industries. Focusing on TV, Film, Interactive and New Media, Games and Digital Design. www.01zero-one.co.uk

5. The following trainees and their companies participated in the first round of the scheme:

Companies Trainees

Ascent Media Amy Fisher

Leah Motherway

Laura Trotman

Clear Cut Pictures Alex Best

Sam Billinge

Angie Bloomfield

DGP William Nelson

Framestore –CFC Jamie Rule

Katherine Smith

Frontline TV Fiona Hardman

Phillipa Le Grys

Kirsty Walford

Frontier Post Blake Dixon

Goldcrest Antony Bayman

Metro Broadcast Benjamin Turner

Molinare Joss Flores

Katie Shahrokh

Nats Claire Ellis

Melanie Hider

Pepper Amber Connolly

George Cook

The London Studios Joanna Hughes

Jane Petrie

Skillset, Focus Point, 21 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9GB. Tel: 020 7713 9800