Jeff Kitchen’s Post

More on the skills gap in the cultural sector...

In 2013, 530,700 young Germans started apprenticeships. In the same year, just under 500,000 Germans were admitted for a University degree. The German apprenticeship system is legendary; millions of Germans never went to University but completed their ‘degree’ via an apprenticeship. What I’ve noticed/realised is that successful policies generally tend to be designed to support cultural practices that have been around for a long time. I think parallels can be drawn between the German system which has been around for around a millennium and the Igbo apprenticeship system. The only difference is that one is institutionalised while the other isn’t. Make of that what you will. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/d3DqSUdz

Despite the size of film crews growing, over the past couple of decades, we've seen a big decline in traineeships and apprentices. This has been most acute among Assistant Directors, and in the sound department. (Albeit, the camera department is bucking the trend). More info at https://lnkd.in/g3Jy4sD

I’ve seen lots of posts in the last few days promoting a raft of traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities launched by BBC and ITV. Undoubtedly these are great opportunities for the people who are selected, but there’s something troubling about launching these schemes at the end of a year with record unemployment in the industry. I think we have to have a serious conversation about the ethics of inviting new entrants into an industry that can’t support its current work force. I would like to see broadcasters doing more to ensure that those of us already established in the industry are able to stay. As a script editor, this year I’ve seen day rates slashed massively across the board - one greenlit production that was hiring a script editor told me they were only recruiting from a pool of ASEs because they couldn’t afford to pay a proper script editor rate, and another greenlit production told me that the budget was so low they couldn’t afford to hire a script editor at all, and would have to do the work in-house.  These problems are arising because broadcasters and commissioners are not giving production companies enough money to properly staff and crew their shows. Production is down, and those that are going are doing so with streamlined crews being paid below their usual rates. This is the reality of the industry that these same broadcasters and commissioners are inviting interns and apprentices into, and it’s hard to see this as anything other than a cynical opportunity to bring in cheap labour rather than offer stable and sustainable employment for all those people who are struggling.

Another year of filming Sixth Formers stories has wrapped up, but their new adventures in the realms of university and apprenticeships are just getting started! As a creative storyteller, I always consider the intended audience and strive to capture an active tone, regardless of the format. Whether that is a print campaign on the backs of buses promoting the sixth form or the students sharing their journey through years 12 and 13 - authentic storytelling resonates so much better. Trying to navigate the fast-paced environment of a Multi Academy Trust as the main creative is challenging. Last year, I opted for a run-and-gun approach with these short stories, but in hindsight, I realised that the students likely felt the rush and didn't fully relax. This year, I made a shift and adopted a two-camera setup. This allowed me to blend wide and close shots, bringing the audience closer and highlighting subtle expressions. Students address a familiar face - a member of staff - rather than the lens (unless we specifically want them to with the intended audience). This approach not only captures images but also emotions and aspirations. It embodies the essence of creative storytelling, where authentic voices matter as much as the constructed narrative. As the trust continues to grow, pockets of stories are emerging everywhere. Good luck to all the year 13's making that next step, and I will likely catch up with some of you down the road. My goal is to elevate quality further, look to refine processes, deepen understanding, and amplify shared human experiences around our Trust. #Storytelling #VideoContent #CreativeJourney #YoungVoices

For a long while now the evidence has pointed towards the need for skills development and training to focus in the mid-career space. However this need continues to be ignored. At the same time there doesn't appear to be much robust evaluation of what is being delivered at entry level, in particular the longer term outcomes for different participants, and the organisational and wider industry benefits of delivering these schemes. Hopefully ScreenSkills' five year strategy and the work of the Skills Task Force will finally take the reins on this. The industry needs cajoling and direction in order to collaborate in delivering a more agile and targeted offer where it is most required.

Give this a listen to learn about the rising trend of legal apprenticeship and how they differ from the usual training contact.

So option on this or any advice, I applied for an apprenticeship for a content producer, thinking it would help me break into the industry. Unfortunately, I got denied. I called the company, but they didn't even see my application because the college denied it. The reason? I don't have GCSEs in maths and English. But here's the thing: I have a 2.1 degree in computer animation and a BTEC national in forensic science. I reached out to them to explain, but they still said I need those GCSEs to be accepted as an apprentice. And to top it off, the pay for the apprenticeship is only going to be £10k a year. I was going for it to gain experience in the industry, and I have a degree relevant to it. I didn't think my GCSEs would matter in this context. The reason I don't have them is that I was never able to take them at my school. I went to a special needs school, and when I asked, they said no. They told me I could only do them in subjects I'm talented in. So, I was left with only art and performing arts. Then, I pursued a BTEC national in science to prove that I could do it, despite what my school initially thought. It's just a bit disheartening. I've spent my life proving myself, only to be told I can't, even though I have qualifications that are higher. On top of that, whenever I apply for junior roles, I often get denied because there are too many candidates with more work experience than me I can't get in. Alternatively, some won't accept me because of my age. How am I supposed to get anywhere in my career when I keep facing closed doors at every turn?

A short but informative read

The Windsor Forest Colleges Group are proud to launch TWO new apprenticeships for media students: ·        L3 Content Creator ·        L3 Production Assistant Windsor College has changed to help learners with the skills needed to begin successful careers in the screen industries. This video walks through the changes Windsor College have undertaken to help these learners’ breakthrough in this industry. Do you think you have anyone that is interested in taking on apprentice, or have family members wanting to undertake an apprenticeship? Drop me a message! Thinking about hiring a Content Creator to boost your business? Comment the word “CREATOR” and I will send you more details for it. Want a Production Assistant? Comment the word “PRODUCTION” and I will send you more details for it.