APPLICATIONS OPEN NOW
Company: Real SFX
Apprenticeship Role: Production Office Apprentice
Location: Cardiff
Company Overview:
Real SFX is an award-winning physical SFX company specializing in creating high-quality Pyrotechnics, Atmospherics, Gimbal Rigs, Soft Props and Model-making for the TV, film, and event industries. Our team of highly skilled supervisors and technicians crafts bespoke physical effects that bring productions to life. Headquartered in our state-of-the art workshop in Cardiff, with workshops across the UK, we have worked on high-end TV productions such as Doctor Who, Peaky Blinders, Bodies, YOU and Fool Me Once, as well as feature films like Expendables 4 and Havoc.
Job Overview:
We are looking for a Production Office Apprentice to join our dynamic team in Cardiff and other Real SFX bases . This role offers an excellent entry-level opportunity into the creative industry, providing hands-on experience in production administration within a fast-paced and creative environment.
Please note: This position does not involve prosthetics, makeup, or CGI work; the company focuses on supporting the creation of practical, physical effects from scratch for film and television.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Production Office Apprentice, you will assist the Production Manager and contribute to various administrative tasks, including:
- Answering and managing phone calls
- Creating, updating, and maintaining production paperwork and databases
- Data entry and document management
- Arranging crew, transportation, and accommodation logistics
- General office administration, including photocopying, filing, and organizing materials
- Attending industry events and assisting with coordination
- Distributing production paperwork to crew and stakeholders
- Coordinating and liaising with multiple productions simultaneously, ensuring smooth communication and workflow
- Reading scripts and breaking down
Working Hours:
- Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm or
- Monday to Friday 8.00am to 6.00pm
Essential Skills and Qualities:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Excellent organisational and administrative skills with high attention to detail
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure
- Adaptability and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Exceptional customer service skills
- Proficiency in MS Office and knowledge of Mac computers
- Full UK Driving Licence
- A proactive and positive “can-do” attitude
Desirable Skills:
- Fluency in Welsh (desirable but not essential)
Why Join Real SFX? As an apprentice with Real SFX, you will gain invaluable experience in the world of special effects and production management. You will be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration, working on some of the most exciting TV and film projects in the UK.
Wage
The salary for this role is £21,000 per annum.
Closing Date
Midday on Wednesday, 9th October 2024.
Start Date
Monday, 28th October 2024.
How to Apply: If you are passionate about joining the world of practical special effects and gaining hands-on experience in a busy production environment, apply today to join the Real SFX team!
Click here to complete the application form.
If you have questions about the apprenticeship programme, please read the FAQs below.
FAQ’S
WHAT WILL APPRENTICES LEARN?
Apprentices will learn the skills needed to build a a career in the media gaining practical ‘hands-on’ training, making industry contacts and gaining technical and professional skills media career. They will also work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production & 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 (virtual learning/face to face block learning at Sgil Cymru, Great Point Seren Studios, Rumney, Cardiff) and on the job training placement with the placement company.
WHO CANNOT APPLY TO THIS APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME?
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. This Apprenticeship is what is called a Level 3 qualification equivalent to A Levels.
Please note: our apprenticeship schemes are not aimed at graduates.
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 28th October, 2024. 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?
Ideally you should have 4 GCSEs (A*-C) including English and Maths, but it is NOT essential. 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, they don’t have to pay towards their training and yes, they get paid an annual wage by their employer.
WHERE WILL APPRENTICES BE WORKING?
Apprentices will be based in Wales with their employer, however, some may require apprentices to travel on occasion to sets and filming locations based elsewhere.
HOW WILL THE APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME BE STRUCTURED?
This is a 12 Month full-time programme and is structured as follows:
- The programme will commence with a virtual blocking learning/face to face 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 programme and meet industry professionals. Apprentices will work towards their 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 classroom-based training/face to face block learning will be provided during the 12 months of the programme.
- 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.
IMPORTANT – Working Times Whilst on the Job
The nature of production means that flexibility is often 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.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF APPRENTICES ONCE ACCEPTED ONTO AN APPRENTICESHIP?
You will be expected to:
- work as a junior member of crew and complete tasks set by your supervisor
- attend 8 weekly monitoring meetings with a member of the the Sgil Cymru team
- meet your industry assessor on a regular basis to build competence unit portfolios
- attend every virtual/face to face classroom-based session
- attend placement monitoring meetings with a representative from your training placement
- complete all elements of the 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
HOW WILL APPRENTICES BENEFIT FROM THEIR APPRENTICESHIP?
At the end of the 12 months apprentices will have:
- Workplace experience – practical ‘hands-on’ training
- Portfolio Work
- Industry contacts
- Improvement of job prospects
- Technical and professional skills
- Level 3 Diploma in Media Creation, Production and Craft Support.
INTERVIEW PROCESS
- Following the shortlisting of applications, the successful applicants will be invited to a Workshop/Interview with the Sgil Cymru team and the employer. Here you will be able to meet the Sgil Cymru team.
- Following this day, the employers may invite you for a further individual interview.
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 programme.
If you are successful following the interview, you will be required to sit initial assessments in numeracy, literacy and digital literacy. Sgil Cymru will then notify you by e-mail that you have secured a place.
If you require further information, please contact the Cardiff office on 07843 779 870 / help@sgilcymru.com
