Pinewood Studios launch apprenticeship scheme

Press Release – A new apprenticeship scheme designed to give young people a start in the UK’s thriving film industry was launched at Pinewood Studios by film Minister Siôn Simon today.

The 10 new apprentices join 12 others already working at the Pinewood Studios Group on a separate scheme run by Skillset, the organisation responsible for skills and training in the creative media industries.

All of these posts will contribute to an ambition of 5,000 apprenticeships in the creative industries a year by 2013, a key pledge from the Government’s Creative Britain report.

Mr Simon met drapes apprentice Sam Healey, one of the first 10 apprentices to start under the new Pinewood scheme. Drapesmasters are responsible for the production and installation of all soft furnishings on film sets, which can involve anything from a velvet cushion to a hot air balloon.

Siôn Simon said: “The film industry can be incredibly tough to break into, but Pinewood’s apprenticeship scheme is a welcome route into this exciting and highly creative industry.”

“Sam and the other apprentices I met today are employed for their ability and potential, and I am sure they will do extremely well. Pinewood Studios is working hard to address any skills gaps while providing a great start for some enthusiastic young people.”

The Minister also met four Skillset Set Craft Apprentices currently working on the new Harry Potter film. This is the second year of this highly successful apprenticeship scheme which gives opportunities for emerging talent to work on the sets of some of Pinewood’s biggest productions, including Harry Potter, James Bond, Batman and the forthcoming John Carter of Mars.

Ivan Dunleavy, Chief Executive at Pinewood Studios commented:

“The UK’s creative sector is one of the best in the world and its success is dependent on the talent and skills of the people working within it. Pinewood’s apprenticeship scheme demonstrates the Group’s ongoing investment in the skills and infrastructure that is essential to the future of the UK’s creative industries.”

Mr Simon also took a firsthand look at Pinewood’s globally unique facilities including its Underwater Stage and Post Production department. He ventured behind the scenes to discover the technical and craft skills integral to filmmaking and visited a range of companies based on the Pinewood lot that work in the creative industries.

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