Frequently Asked Questions about the Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (Level 3)
What is an Apprenticeship?
What will Apprentices Learn?
Where will the Training Take Place?
What Roles does this Apprenticeship Cover?
How Many Roles can Applicants Apply for?
Who Cannot Apply to this Apprenticeship Programme?
What Skills/Qualifications do I need to Apply to this Apprenticeship Programme?
Do Apprentices have to Pay Anything to Study or do they get Paid?
Where will Apprentices be Working?
What is Expected of Apprentices once accepted onto the Apprenticeship?
How will Apprentices be supported on the Apprenticeship?
How will Apprentices Benefit from this Apprenticeship?
Interview Process
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
An apprenticeship is a way of working and learning at the same time. Being an apprentice means that you have a job that includes gaining recognised qualifications and essential skills whilst you are working and earning a wage.
The types of apprenticeships offered by Sgil Cymru are:
- Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media Level 3
- Higher Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media (Interactive Media Pathway) Level 4
WHAT WILL APPRENTICES LEARN?
Apprentices will learn the skills needed to build a media career.
They will also work towards a 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) and on the job (via production placements in north Wales).
WHAT ROLES DOES THIS APPRENTICESHIP COVER?
The roles offered will depend on what jobs the host companies are able to offer. In the past they have included:
- Camera and Grip Department
- Post-Production
- Art Department
- Production Office and onset (runner)
- Locations Department
HOW MANY ROLES CAN APPLICANTS APPLY FOR?
You may only apply for ONE role.
WHO CANNOT APPLY TO 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.
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, they don’t have to pay towards their training and yes, they get paid.
WHERE WILL APPRENTICES BE WORKING?
Production placements will be based in north Wales, 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 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 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 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 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 virtual Workshop. 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