The Production Guild of Great Britain partners with Edge Hill University

THE Production Guild of Great Britain is pleased to announce its 1st University partnership with Ormskirk's Edge Hill University, as part of its ongoing work to channel new talent into UK film and TV drama production offices.

Edge Hill University's BA (Hons) degree in Television Production Management is now officially affiliated with The Production Guild, the UK's leading membership organisation for those working in film and TV drama production. Course participants in their third year of study become 'student members' of the Production Guild, receiving industry advice, information and resources to help plan their career paths. Upon graduation, their availability is promoted directly to the Production Guild's membership of more than 950 members and 100 company affiliates, helping them find employment on active productions quickly and efficiently.

Alison Small, CEO of The Production Guild, says:- "We're delighted to have our 1st official education partnership in place with Edge Hill University. Supporting new talent to enter the workforce is essential for the screen industry right now; production is booming and it's vital that the UK's pipeline of talent keeps delivering new entrants into junior roles, now and in the future. This type of partnership helps us bridge the gap for graduates moving from production-related study into paid work. It gives students a better understanding of the industry, so they're better equipped to step into careers and progress quickly. It also makes their availability for work after graduation far more visible to production offices actively looking to fill junior positions. The North West is an exceptionally strong centre for film and TV drama production outside London, making it an excellent regional base to begin this targeted support."

Perelandra Beedles, Programme Leader Television Production Management, Edge Hill University says:- 'The Television Production Management degree is unique not only for being the only 1 of its kind in the UK but also because of the strong relationships it has with the broadcast industry. Originally co-written with the BBC, we pride ourselves on providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to move into broadcasting. The Production Guild work at the very heart of this industry so the benefits of this collaboration to our students will be enormous. It is also recognition of the standard we achieve with this programme."

PG 'student members' receive:-

► Access to Production Guild member only information and resources, including the weekly e-newsletter with industry news and training opportunities.

► A 1 to 1 meeting with an experienced industry professional working in production management and The Production Guild CEO, giving tailored advice on CV writing, starting out in the industry, how to plan and fulfil career goals.

► Insight from a production accountant or financial controller working in TV drama and/or feature film, about the relationship between production management and production accounting.

► A student profile in the Production Guild e-newsletter.

► Direct promotion of each graduate's availability for work to The Production Guild's members and affiliate companies upon completion of their course.

► 2019 applications for Edge Hill University's BA (Hons) Television Production Management are now open; for more information or to apply visit:- EdgeHill.AC.UK.

Other recent skills initiatives delivered by The Production Guild of Great Britain with industry partners include the 'Full Stream Ahead' Netflix production accountancy traineeship, University of Hertfordshire production accountancy module:- 'Step Into Production Accounts' training (supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund and delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen) and 'Pathway to Location Management' training (supported by the ScreenSkills Film Skills Fund, delivered in partnership with Northern Ireland Screen and Film London.)

Young interns start work

LIVERPOOL City Council has taken on young people with learning disabilities as part of a programme to help them into work. The Council has offered placements in a children's centre, a respite centre and in its short breaks team as part of its Supported Internships programme.

Just 6% of young people with learning disabilities are in employment, and the aim of the scheme is to help them transition from education in to the world of work, so they can live more independently and don't become socially isolated.

The 3 young people; Thomas Wilkinson, George Gilligan and Abbie Woodford; are all pupils at Greenbank College. They are part of a wider scheme which has seen 12 companies offering a total of 36 placements for young people this year.

All the pupils are supported by a work coach who helps them get used to the routine expected when in employment, instructing and supporting them to build skills in the workplace to complete work tasks to a high level. The scheme is proving successful; 6 of the 9 interns from the inaugural intake last year have now secured paid employment.

Councillor Barbara Murray, Cabinet member for education, said:- "This scheme is about working closely with young people, schools and employers to provide tailor made support into the world of work and give them the opportunity to compete for jobs and fulfil their potential. As 1 of the largest employers in the City it is really important that the City Council leads by example and we will be getting other departments on board as well.  We have already grown the scheme year on year and want to continue expanding it to involve more businesses and more opportunities for our young people."

Although it will take time, the eventual aim is for every young person with disabilities that wants it to be given the chance to get paid employment.

Anne Kinsella from Greenbank College said:- "Greenbank College is delighted to be working with Liverpool City Council on this project. Supported internships are all about promoting opportunities for disabled young people in this City to actively engage in the world of work, challenge preconceptions and the low employment rate of disabled people in Liverpool."