Screenworks has opened applications for the first year of their Regional Crew Traineeship program being delivered in partnership with Netflix with the support of the NSW Government.
The new entry-level initiative will provide trainees with a paid opportunity to learn about the screen industry and develop their knowledge through a mix of professional on-the-job work placements backed up by classroom training units at TAFE NSW.
Four selected trainees will complete their traineeships over the course of 12 months and gain a Certificate III in Screen & Media from TAFE NSW Lismore in the process. The program will start as a pilot project in Northern New South Wales with the aim of scaling into other regions across Australia in the future.
Screenworks and Netflix particularly want to encourage young people from diverse backgrounds or financially disadvantaged who may not otherwise have the opportunity to study in the industry to apply.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate a passion for starting their career in the screen industry and be able to commit 12 months fulltime to the traineeship.
Ken Crouch, Screenworks CEO commented:
“Leveraging the support from our fantastic partners at Netflix, the NSW Government and TAFE NSW means that Screenworks is able to offer valuable and paid opportunities to those who are at the beginning of their screen careers.
“We would love to see this program increase diversity in the regional screen industry, so I strongly encourage anyone to apply to this program regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status. I can’t wait to see how these trainees develop their skills and industry networks in 2022.”
Behind the scenes on Netflix Original feature film Sweet River (Image: Kane Skennar)
Netflix director of studio & production affairs, APAC, Deb Richards, said Australia’s content production ecosystem has a fantastic reputation but must be supported to grow.
“Creating a pipeline of up-and-coming, skilled professionals to service the production boom is essential, and the Screenworks Regional Crew Traineeship program will play an important role in doing this.
“The beauty of programs like this is they leave a positive impact in the community for many years to come, and we can’t wait to see what talent is unearthed now that applications are open.”
Applications are now open and will close at 8:00am (AEDT) Monday 8th November 2021. The traineeships are due to start in February 2022.
Screenworks will run an online information session at 2.00pm (AEDT) Tuesday 19th October where potential applicants will be able to ask questions and pick up tips about submitting a strong application.
To find out more and apply, please visit www.screenworks.com.au/traineeships
Screenworks is also looking for production companies and heads of departments from across Australia who are interested in taking on trainees for work placements in 2022. Placements can be based in Northern NSW, South East Queensland or beyond. All trainees will be paid by Screenworks during their placement terms. Please contact Screenworks at [email protected] to register your interest.
See also: Screen Australia and Australians in Film announce recipients of two joint initiatives