C4 creates 15k industry opportunities

UK broadcaster Channel 4 is to create 15,000 industry opportunities from next year, through its 4Skills training and development strategy.

Focusing on young people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds who want a career in broadcasting, the 4Skills programme will seek to provide more than 200 paid entry level roles including internships, apprenticeships and production training schemes and over 3,000 progression opportunities including fast track schemes, training, bursaries and mentoring.

It will also provide Key Stage 3 (for 11-14-year-olds) engagement with over 12,000 pupils including special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools as well as 500 work experience placements.

“Channel 4 has always been the broadcaster for young people, especially those who don’t get heard or have access to opportunities because of where they live or their upbringing,” said Alex Mahon, chief executive, of Channel 4.

“For us, none of that matters. Everyone should have an equal chance to follow their dreams and have a job in the creative industries. It shouldn’t be about having certain qualifications but about passion and potential. There is no reason why a future chief executive of Channel 4, or any broadcaster for that matter, can’t have started their career through 4Skills.” TB Vision