Following a hugely successful first couple of years of the Media Production Assistant Traineeship, Galway and Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB ) and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland (Screen lreland ) has announced a fourth year of the course.
Based in Spiddal and starting on Monday next October 3, this traineeship is for new entrants with a real passion for film and TV, who hope to build a career in the screen sector and learn through Irish. The traineeship aims to produce the kind of technically and creatively multi-skilled individuals required in a rapidly developing industry.
Current participants are working full time with production companies based in the west of Ireland at the moment, while others are out on location around Ireland. Participants from previous years worked on Martin McDonagh's The Banshees of Inisherin alongside Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, and Barry Keoghan. Six participants from this year also had the opportunity of working for the Galway Film Fleadh.
This programme has been developed by industry for industry, and participants on the programme will be trained and supported within film and TV companies and in the classroom. The five core competencies covered by the programme will be: Technical skills; creative skills; project management; research, marketing, and communications; and floor and set skills.
Trainees will have the opportunity to assist with a wide range of technical support and operational areas, such as camera, lighting, sound, and editing. The skills gained on this programme will enable participants to go on to work in many areas in film and TV at a junior level.
Applicants should have a Leaving Certificate or equivalent, a good verbal and written command of the English/Irish language (classes in Irish will be provided ), a passion for working in film and TV, ability to work collaboratively in a team environment, the ability to work on their own initiative, computer skills, and a strong work ethic and motivation.
Speaking about the traineeship, Sinead Morgan, director of further education and training, GRETB, said the creative arts industry has always been vibrant in the west, and Galway’s rich tradition in television and film making speaks for itself.
"Galway and Roscommon Education and Training board is committed to the delivery of this programme with a strong industry input and focus meaning the skills that are needed locally, are taught in the classroom," she added.
"These newly acquired skills are then practised and perfected in the various work placements that our learners engage with throughout their time on the traineeship”.
Gareth Lee, skills manager, said Screen Ireland is thrilled to support this traineeship.
"This programme which was originally developed by GRETB in partnership with the Screen Ireland skills team is now in its fourth year, which is testament to the success it has had in supporting new talent, as well as the ongoing need to build skills in the regions," he said.
"This iteration of the programme will support participants to learn key skills and gain practical experience across a wide range of areas in order to build careers in the film and TV sector. The trainees will be a valuable addition to the exciting production sector in the west of Ireland.”
Those interested in the course can contact [email protected] or apply online at www.fetchcourses.ie/course/finder?sfcw-courseId=359038
