Here are a list of questions we are regularly asked to help you decide if you are eligible to apply for the Trainee Scheme and whether it will be a good fit for you.
ELIGIBILITY
What kind of people are you looking for?
We are looking for people who have 2+ credits (and less than 3 years experience) in a HETV/film craft or technical role who have a focused end goal that aligns with their current role, and a clear and realistic idea of how they are going to reach their goal.
Our most successful Trainees are self-reflective, willing to work on their personal development, communicate effectively and take on professional development challenges that take them out of their comfort zone.
They also show up consistently, help others and actively contribute to making the industry a better place for everyone to work.
What departments count as craft or technical roles?
You can find list of craft and technical departments on the ScreenSkills website.
What is a professional credit?
A paid craft or technical role on a production that has transmitted on TV or screened in cinemas.
Do student films count?
No. Student and no-paid films aren’t eligible as credits.
I’m at university / film school / in full-time education – can I apply?
No. We are looking for people who already have at least 2 professional credits in their chosen department and who are available for full-time work.
Is there an age limit?
You must be over 18. There is no upper age limit.
I need training in technical skills in my chosen department – do you provide that?
No. We focus on training you in the skills you need to be a successful freelancer, not department specific technical skills.
I live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland am I eligible to apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from anyone based in the UK who has the right to work here.
I live outside the UK – am I eligible?
No. You are not eligible if you are currently based outside the UK.
What if I have no HETV/film credits but transferrable skills from a different sector?
If you have extensive experience in a similar role in a different sector, we may take that into account. E.g. if you have multiple credits as a costume maker or dresser in theatre and are transferring into the Costume Department in HETV/film. We consider each application on merit and make a judgement on a case by case basis.
I work as a HoD on short films but want to work in HETV/film – can I transfer across?
Yes. We have occasionally had people who have worked as a DoP, Sound Recordist or Editor on short films but have been willing to work as a Trainee on HETV/film sets and work their way up the ladder on larger productions. We are unable to put our Trainees forward for 1st Assistant, 2nd Assistant or HoD (Head of Department) roles.
If you already have extensive freelance experience you won’t gain any value from the scheme.
I want to work in documentary / wildlife / reality TV – can you help me with my career?
No. This scheme is exclusively for crew working in HETV/film.
I’m not yet sure which department I want to work in – what should I put in that section?
We are looking for people who have already decided on a career path in a specific department, so please choose the department which closest aligns with your goals and experience.
I’m an aspiring writer/director/actor – am I eligible?
No. This scheme is specifically for people working below the line in craft and technical roles in HETV (High-End TV) and Film.
If you want to be a writer check out the resources on the BBC Writers Room website and the 4Screenwriting course run by Philip Shelley.
I’m an independent filmmaker and like to write / direct / edit my own films – am I eligible?
No. We are looking for people who are focused on specialising in one specific department and working their way up from Trainee to Head of Department in commercial HETV/film. Working as an independent filmmaker is very different from working as a crew member, and our training isn’t geared towards the independent sector.
I’m just trying to get my foot in the door and I’m willing to do anything – will you give me an opportunity?
Our hiring HoDs want to invest in Trainees who have prior experience of, and are committed to, working in a specific department.
We have to be confident that our Trainees are set ready and will represent us well if we put them forward for a job, so this means that our trainees must have already gained some credits and are able to hit the ground running on a large professional and high-pressure set.
If you are still to get any credits, or are unsure which direction is the right one, this is not the scheme for you at this stage of your career.
ScreenSkills Trainee Finder provides placements for people with less than 12 months of paid experience.
Set Ready provides free 2-day training
CallTime Foundations provides a stepping stone into the industry for those wanting to work in the AD Department and Production Office, with training and a diary service for those who successfully complete their training.
APPLICATION PROCESS
What kind of answers are you looking for in the application?
We want to get to know the real you. The questions are designed to help you demonstrate your knowledge of your chosen department, showcase your existing (and transferable) skills and experience, understand what the scheme can – and can’t – offer you, and give you an opportunity to reflect on the areas in which you need help and are working on to improve. The more specific you can be to your situation the better – your application answers should be unique to you and completely different to any other applicants.
Your application and CV should make sense when read together and tell a congruent story. If your path/CV is unconventional, explain why in your application.
I’m not a confident writer – can I use ChatGPT to help me with my application?
While you can to use AI software to help you get started with a first draft, we strongly recommend you rewrite the answers to make them unique to you; there is a lot of competition for places so you need to make your answers personal to you in order to stand out from all the other AI written applications.
We are looking for people who can demonstrate they understand the role of Trainee in their chosen departments, which is the kind of knowledge can only be gained by working on a professional set. AI answers tend to sound ‘corporate’ and lacking in specificity. We want to get to know the real you, and what makes you different from everyone else; AI doesn’t really know the real you.
Can I submit my answers by video instead of in writing?
You are welcome to submit your answers via a private YouTube/Vimeo link – please keep it under 5 minutes and send the link with password and CV to info@saraputt.co.uk with FAO Nicola – Trainee Scheme Application in the subject line.
What is the selection process?
Every application is assessed by two of our agents. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30′ online interview with Nicola Lees and one of the agents. You are able schedule your own slot and are provided with the interview questions ahead of time. We aim to have completed the interviews by mid-March, and will let everyone know the outcome by the end of March.
How many places do you offer each year – and what of my chances of being selected?
We invite 25-30 people to join the scheme each year; we never have more than 6 people in any one department.
We always consider every application on its own merits and compare it against other applications in the same department so we are comparing like with like.
Some departments e.g. camera attract many more applications than other departments, so the competition for these places is fierce and your application has to really stand out from the crowd.
Other departments are less competitive, (and they differ from year to year), but we still want strong applicants and would rather have have fewer people on the scheme than fill all our places for the sake of it.
Do you offer accommodations?
If you need accommodations please let us know what you need in your application form and we will do our best to assist. Our Trainee Sessions are recorded and our networking venues are wheelchair accessible.
Can I apply again if I’m not successful?
Yes. We’ve had Trainees apply several times before being successful. But please make sure you are eligible before applying again e.g. you don’t have more than 3 years’ experience and will not be in education during the scheme.
THE SCHEME
Is there a fee?
Yes. There is a non-refundable fee of £150.
Can I pay in instalments?
When we ask you for payment you can request to pay in instalments if you need it.
I can’t make the Induction Day
The induction day is mandatory, so if you are unable to attend for any reason, we will have to withdraw the offer of a place on the scheme. If you have paid for the scheme and can’t make the Induction Day and we. have to withdraw your place, we will refund your fee.
Are the Trainee Sessions held in person?
No. All the sessions are held on Saturdays via Zoom, so you can attend from anywhere. This reduces the cost of travel and allows us to record the sessions for you to refer to over the course of the scheme.
What happens on Trainee Days?
Sessions are a mix of outside speakers giving masterclasses and Trainee-led workshops.
Masterclasses:
- CVs, Cover Emails and Interview Skills
- #AgentsForChange – Understanding and Working Towards Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry
- Networking Skills
- Finance for Freelancers
- Personal Finance
- Future Gazing and Goal Setting
You also have two 1-2-1 sessions with an allocated agent to discuss your personal career goals and your CV is listed on our website.
Trainee Workshops:
Each Trainee delivers a 30’ workshop on an aspect of their department. This builds personal confidence and increases wider group knowledge of how all the departments can work together.
Am I guaranteed a work placement?
No. We are not a placement scheme. We teach you the tools to find your own work, and put your CV forward for jobs we feel you have the appropriate experience for, but we cannot guarantee that you will find work whilst you are with us, as we are dependent on how busy the industry is, which is out of our control.
Are there any in-person networking events?
We hold regular client networking events where you can meet our clients. There may also be other ad hoc events throughout the course of the scheme that Trainees can be invited to.
Can you cover travel costs for people outside of London?
Yes. We offer travel bursaries so out-of-London based Trainees can attend the client networking drinks.
Can you introduce me to your clients?
Our clients are very busy so we can’t introduce all our Trainees to our clients, however we can pass on email introductions from our Trainees on to our clients in certain circumstances.
I’m looking for an agent – will you represent me after the scheme?
We don’t act as your agent during or after as that service is only available to very experienced HoDs.
Crew grades below HoDs are looked after by SPA Crew. Being on the Trainee Scheme is not a fast track to joining SPA Crew.
At the end of each Trainee Scheme we may take on 1-2 Trainees (out of 25) depending on whether we have space and feel we will be able to help them find jobs. We take into consideration attendance, communication and commitment throughout the scheme when deciding who to invite to join us.
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Please email Nicola on info@saraputt.co.uk