First Post trainee scheme now open to applications

A new entrants trainee scheme for postproduction staff has been launched by the Post Production Training Initiative (PPTI) and Skillset.
First Post is a modular scheme covering technical, commercial and customer skills for 20-25 trainees based in a variety of companies across London. It has been created with the support of UK Post, APRS, ChEFF, BKSTS and IVCA to help employers provide structured development for runners.
O1 Zero-One has been appointed to deliver the scheme from June 2005, though it will be centrally managed and coordinated by Skillset. The scheme is highly subsidised in order to meet a proven need and has been developed with input from most facilities houses to ensure that it is appropriate and adaptable to up-to-date practice.
Kate O’Connor, Skillset Executive Director of Policy and Development, said: “This scheme is an opportunity to secure affordable top quality training in all the skills businesses need new entrants to be versed in. The training will be flexible and respond to real need, taking place in a variety of ways and locations – classroom based, work based, online, face to face tutoring - but all trainees will be managed and evaluated centrally. Companies involved in the scheme will contribute to its design ensuring they develop new staff with exactly the right skills to help their businesses. We expect places to be over subscribed.”
The scheme is being funded by the London Development Agency’s Creative London Programme and industry investment and is part of Skillset’s skills strategy for London.
The deadline for application from companies wishing to participate is Friday April 29.
www.skillset.org.
(GB/KMcA)