Sgil Cymru Apprenticeships now open
16th February 2023
Applications are now OPEN for CRIW.
Sgil Cymru is once again thrilled to announce that applications are open for CRIW (Welsh for ‘Crew’), a game-changing 12 month Apprenticeship Programme for 2023, open to those who are keen to work behind-the-scenes on exciting and major film and TV productions – in south Wales. Successful applicants will gain hands-on experience of roles on-set, right here in Wales.
This Apprenticeship Programme has been created to reflect the dynamic, flexible nature of freelance work that is the heartbeat of the industry. Get ready to spend a year immersed in a variety of productions, meeting new people and working hard to complete new challenges, with a paid salary to support you as you learn. CRIW is your unique opportunity to develop the skills and gain the experience for a career in this industry.
A successful pilot scheme for CRIW ran in 2020 and saw apprentices work on the set of hit Fox drama War of the Worlds, starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Gabriel Byrne. Read more on how Tom, Josh and Jake got on here: Life as an Apprentice. Previous and current apprentices have worked with various companies and productions as part of the CRIW scheme. Productions have included Sex Education series 4, Black Cake, Wolf, Luke Evans Showtime, Steel Town Murders, Craith/Hidden 3, Jamie Johnson, 4 Stories, Extinction, War of The Worlds 3, A Million Days (film), Y Gyfrinach, The Light In The Hall / Y Golau, Casualty, Dal y Mellt, In My Skin 2, Havoc (feature film), The Trick, Casualty, The Pact II and also based with the post-production facility Gorilla.
Also visit the website, where you can view our Apprentice Takeover videos.
Wales is already established as one of the world’s leading locations for TV and film production and 2023 is set to be another busy year again!
Sgil Cymru is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, & socio-economic background.
Frequently asked questions
What will CRIW apprentices learn during the 12 months?
Apprentices will learn the skills needed to build a career in the media gaining practical ‘hands-on’ training, making industry contacts and gaining technical and professional skills. They will work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production and Craft Support, Essential Skills and Employer Rights and Responsibilities. Further information about the framework can be found here.
Where will the training take place?
Training will be split between off the job (online learning and face to face sessions at the Sgil Cymru training centre at Great Point Seren Stiwdios, Rumney, Cardiff) and on the job (production placements in south Wales).
Who can apply to this apprenticeship?
This Apprenticeship Scheme is at a Level 3 and is therefore equivalent to A Levels. Please note: our apprenticeship schemes are not aimed at graduates. However, you may be eligible to apply if your degree is not in the same occupational area as this apprenticeship programme.
Can I do the apprenticeship if I am in full-time education?
No, you will not be allowed to apply for the apprenticeship scheme if you are in full time education as of the 27th of March, 2023. Apprentices will be on a full-time contract for the duration of the apprenticeship programme, so you must be available to work and study for the whole period.
What qualifications do I need to apply for the apprenticeship programme?
At least 4 GCSEs at grades A to C (English and Maths preferred) or equivalent.
Do apprentices have to pay anything to study or do they get paid?
No, the qualification and training are fully funded. All apprentices receive an annual wage of £12,500.
Who employs the apprentices?
All apprentices will be employed by the ATA (Apprenticeship Training Agency) South East Wales City Region on a fixed term contract. Sgil Cymru will manage the placements and the training.
Where will apprentices be working?
Production placements will be based in south Wales and apprentices will be expected to travel to sets and filming locations based all over south Wales.
How will the apprenticeship scheme be structured?
The scheme will commence with a block learning Induction to the creative industries. This will give all apprentices the opportunity to meet the Sgil Cymru staff, meet fellow apprentices who will also be on the scheme and meet industry professionals. Apprentices will work towards their Level 3 Diploma qualification during this time and also gain the skills and knowledge before going out on placement.
Following the induction, all apprentices will go to their placement companies where they will work ‘on the job’ gaining the skills and knowledge required to work in the creative industries. Further virtual or classroom-based training will be provided during the 12 months of the scheme. Towards the end of the programme, the apprentices will complete an Exit Programme. This will prepare the apprentices to become freelancers in the media industries.
IMPORTANT – Following the 12 months of learning and training it is hoped that many of the apprentices will gain work with their placement companies. However, this is NOT guaranteed as the industry is ever changing and production companies depend on commissions in order to gain future work. The likelihood is that following the 12-month programme individuals will become freelance rather than permanently employed.
What are the hours of work?
The nature of production means that flexibility is needed and apprentices will be expected to work for long hours over concentrated periods of time. You need to be aware that you may be required to work up to 12 hour days including weekends. This will be balanced by shorter days and/or compensatory leave.
Do you need a driving licence to apply for this apprenticeship scheme?
Yes, as productions and locations will be over the south Wales area, it is crucial that apprentices are able to get to those locations at all times of the day. Some locations will be remote and you may also need to travel in between locations during the day so arriving by public transport will be extremely difficult.
What is expected of apprentices once accepted onto the apprenticeship scheme?
You will be expected to:
work as a junior CRIW member and complete tasks set by your supervisor.
attend 8 weekly monitoring meetings with the Sgil Cymru Head of Training.
meet your industry assessor on a regular basis to build competence unit portfolios.
attend every virtual/classroom-based session.
attend placement monitoring meetings with a representative from your placement.
complete all elements of the Apprenticeship Framework resulting in the completion of the qualification.
How will apprentices be supported on their apprenticeship?
A Sgil Cymru staff member will work with each apprentice to create an individual training plan that will reflect the individual’s training needs and the progress will be monitored.
An assessor will help/guide and support the apprentice with gaining the qualification.
A Sgil Cymru staff member will meet each apprentice to discuss progress, and a placement company staff member will be appointed as the industry mentor to offer support and advice when needed.
The placement company supervisor will give feedback to Sgil Cymru on the apprentice’s progress and this will be used to monitor training needs.
What is the recruitment process?
Following the shortlisting of applications, the successful applicants will be invited to a recruitment workshop. Here you will be able to meet with the Sgil Cymru team and industry professionals. The sessions will involve group and individual tasks and there will be opportunities for you to ask questions.
Following the recruitment workshops, the Sgil Cymru team may invite you for a further individual interview to find out more about you. We will inform you if you need to prepare any material for the interview. However, you will be required to demonstrate your skills, knowledge and potential to take part in this scheme.
If you are successful following the interview, Sgil Cymru will then notify you by email that you have secured a place. You will be required to sit WEST initial assessments in numeracy, literacy and digital literacy and complete start paperwork as well as provide qualification certificates and identification documentation.
When is the closing date for applications?
Applications close on the 22nd of February 2023 at 12 noon. Applications received after this time will not be accepted. If you are having problems completing your application or need access support please contact us.
When are the recruitment workshops?
The workshops will take place on Tuesday, 7th of March 2023, with individual interviews following the workshops.
When does the apprenticeship start?
The apprenticeship starts on Monday, 27th of March, 2023.
If you require further information, please contact the Cardiff office on 07843 779 870 / help@sgilcymru.com
JOB DESCRIPTION AND APPLICATION FORM HERE