Apply to the Waterloo Road Trainee Production Scheme

On the job training for the next generation of talent for the scripted broadcast drama sector

Following the huge success of two previous Production Development Trainee Schemes on Waterloo Road, Wall to Wall Media and Rope Ladder Fiction in association with HOME and Screen Manchester are pleased to announce that applications are now open to join the next 6-month paid programme, which will commence in August 2023.

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.

“Working as a Hair and Makeup Trainee on BBC’s Waterloo Road was a massive game changer for me, it gave me a real sense of autonomy and pride to see my work on TV. I had the opportunity to do some Main Cast hair and makeup, in addition to overseeing most of the supporting actors. The experience gave me a thorough understanding of how the TV industry works and prepared me for future opportunities.” Karimah – Makeup & Hair Trainee

Open to 8 individuals who live in the Manchester area, the trainee roles are available within the departments of:

  • Props
  • Costume
  • Makeup
  • Post Production
  • Art
  • Production Office
  • Camera
  • Sound
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Eligibility

To apply for this opportunity candidates need to be:

  • 18 years of age and over
  • Available for a full 6-month engagement from mid-August 2023
  • Available for a full Skills Day on Fri 4 Aug, at Space Studios Manchester, a purpose built facility consisting of 6 stages covering 85,000 sq ft home to award winning TV, film and commercial productions
  • Available to work an 11-hour day. This is a full-time placement.
  • Production will be based in Manchester. To apply you must live in the Manchester area.

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.

Stage One: Application Form
Deadline Sat 29 Jul, 17:00

Fill in the online application form before Sat 29 Jul, 17:00. Applicants will then be selected to progress to the next stage.

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.

For any assistance with your application please contact elli@screenmanchester.com

Stage Two: Skills Training Day
Fri 4 Aug, all day

Applicants will be selected to attend a Skills Training Day held-in-person on Fri 4 Aug. Here they will be introduced to how the production industry works with specifically designed workshops held by Industry Professionals. The Waterloo Road Production Crew will also be in attendance, and applicants will have the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with Crew members from the relevant placement departments.

After the event participants will then be selected to go onto the interview stage.

Stage Three: Interviews
Week beginning Mon 7 Aug

Selected applicants wil be invited for interviews with the relevant departmental Crew