First Post
Ever wished you could fast-forward your junior-level employees? Want to zap them into an instant state of technical know-how, clarity about the industry and all post production house operations? Blessed with a deep induction in H&S, shiny customer service skills and an ability to progress swiftly, be extremely useful and a total godsend to your company?
The solution is Skillset's innovative new entrant trainee scheme First Post.
The pilot was designed by the industry, for the industry, and supported by the London Development Agency. The modular scheme gaves new talent entering the Post Production world a thorough grounding in technical operations, customer and commercial skills. Held over six months, with day release sessions including interactive learning, classroom lectures, visits to different facilities and presentations from industry experts, the course fostered swift development and encouraged student's interaction with employers at every level.
Over thirty facility houses helped create the course though, so it's practically based to provide a snug fit for the sector's needs and directly benefit employers with staff equipped with the skills to hit the ground running and be immediately useful. Ultimately, First Post aims to become a recognised industry standard training scheme.
And the word so far is good: "Two thumbs up!" said participant Bettina Fung – "I got a solid understanding of the industry," while trainee Laura Trotman said it "served as a bridge between practical and theoretical elements of the job." Tutor Paul Collard of Soho Images was struck by one intake of student's "positive learning attitude, enthusiasm, focus and freshness they demonstrated as a group, "and noted "a clear sense of value added achievement taking place on the course." Chief Exexcutive of UK Screen Gaynor Davenport is confident that "First Post equips students with the skills employers really want."
Click on First Post - All Your Questions Answered for the nitty gritty – where we answer all your usual suspect questions.
The First Post pilot took place in London and has since run in the North, the South West and Wales.