4Skills: Supporting new talent
Our 4Skills initiatives, featuring Channel 4 Apprenticeships and the Channel 4 Production Training Scheme, are designed to give career development and training opportunities in the broadcast industry for people across the Nations and Regions. Over 50 people are taking their first step into the industry in 2021 as part of these two schemes. Later this year, six people aged between 18-24 will take up placements with Channel 4’s in-house digital studio, 4Studio in Leeds.
Inclusion and diversity is at the heart of our talent strategy on and off screen. Supporting social mobility and encouraging new entrants into the wider media industries is crucial to our role as Britain’s youngest public service broadcaster.
Read about the impact of our training schemes here.
Providing opportunities to young people who might never have given a second thought to a career in the broadcast is precisely what Channel 4 should be doing.
It’s so important that we reach out and tap into talent pools which are all too often ignored or overlooked. Seeking out the next generation of diverse talent is imperative for Channel 4 and the wider industry.
Recent 4Skills initiatives
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The apprenticeships, ranging from 15 to 24 months, are fully paid and cover a wide range of specialisms within Channel 4’s business including 4Studio, 4Creative, Agency Sales, Strategy & Consumer Insight, Finance, Communications/Pictures, Content Management/Programme Information, and Technology/Cyber Security.
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The Channel 4 Production Training Scheme is for entry level talent who want to break into the media industry and are passionate about making television programmes. In 2021/22 we will be offering paid places at one of the UK's independent production companies for 12 months.
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Later this year, six people aged between 18-24 will take up placements with Channel 4’s in-house digital studio, 4Studio. The allocation of the six placements as part of this new pilot scheme, is firmly focussed on offering opportunities to people in the region from diverse backgrounds, young people who might not typically consider a career in the broadcast industry.
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Channel 4’s Legal and Compliance department has also partnered with Aspiring Solicitors to offer mentoring and work experience for diverse candidates hoping to pursue a career as a lawyer or compliance advisor in the media sector. And to reflect Channel 4’s commitment to the Nations and Regions, half of the places have been reserved for people outside of London.
