Success of 'Waterloo Road' Production Development Trainee Scheme Prompts call for new Entrants

Paid 6 months placements pave way for next generation of craft talent in TV drama - from Wall To Wall and Rope Ladder Fiction in association with HOME and Screen Manchester.

Following the huge success of the inaugural Production Development Trainee Scheme on "Waterloo Road" earlier this year, Wall to Wall Media and Rope Ladder Fiction are pleased to announce that applications are now open to join the next 6-month paid programme, which will commence in mid-August.

The aim of the initiative is to provide on the job training in junior roles for the next generation of talent for the scripted broadcast drama sector.
With the support and assistance this year of HOME Manchester and Screen Manchester, the "Waterloo Road" production trainee scheme is a hands-on experience designed to build skills by directly working on one of Britain's favourite continuing dramas.

The opportunity will also include fortnightly training sessions led by "Waterloo Road" departments heads and other invited guest speakers and covers many topics from TV budgeting to networking.

Also, this year, partners in the scheme, HOME Manchester will provide weekly cinema access, priority tickets to events and opportunities to network with other filmmakers from the region.

Open to 6 individuals who are based within the Greater Manchester area trainee roles are available within the departments of:

• Make-up
• Costume
• Camera
• Grip
• Assistant Directors
• Art
Successful candidates will experience the broader production process as well as focussing on their specific chosen craft area.

Our first placements are just coming to a close and this is what some of our trainees had to say about their experience:

'"Working on Waterloo Road has helped me grow as a person, specifically with confidence and I am proud of the progress I have made." Stephen, Costume.

The scheme pushed me in a direction I didn't realise I wanted. I wouldn't change anything." Talissa, Grips.

"Waterloo Road is a great opportunity for me to have hands-on experience in a safe, positive and professional environment. I always feel welcome and supported. As a camera trainee I have learned a lot about camera department and also have had a chance to observe and learn from other departments. All of this happen thanks to all the kind and helpful colleagues." Anh Do, Cameras.

To apply for this opportunity candidates will need to be:
• 18 years of age and over
• Available for a full 6-month engagement from mid-August 2022
• Available to work an 11-hour day, this is a full-time placement
• Production will be based in Salford, Greater Manchester. To apply you must have a Greater Manchester base.
• Passionate, hard-working, reliable, and responsible

Candidates do not need specific programme-making experience, but they do need a passion and commitment for their chosen craft. Evidence of skill-based courses would be useful and should be highlighted when applying.
Deadline for application is 5.00pm on Wednesday 13th July with interviews held later in July.

We welcome and positively encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries. We are committed to building a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities. One of the driving forces behind the "Waterloo Road" Production Development Trainee Scheme is to build a workforce that includes under-represented communities and ethnicities, disabled and socially diverse crew members, as the positive impact that equality and diversity brings makes for a better team.