ITV has joined new social mobility initiative First Break, established by skills body ScreenSkills.
Designed to create pathways in the TV industry for people from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, First Break gives 100 candidates the chance to attend an Open Doors taster event to learn the basics of working in TV. Participants will then be invited to apply for 40 places on a two-day boot camp to learn what to expect from a job in TV.
The final round will see 10 candidates selected for five days of paid full-time job shadowing on Coronation Street and Emmerdale across the technical, creative/practical, organisational and ideas-related departments. Travel expenses will be paid and all candidates will be offered a mentor.
ITV Studios UK head of HR Trish Brady said: “ITV has made a public commitment to improve society representation on screen, as well as increase diversity and inclusivity behind the scenes. Partnering with ScreenSkills on this important initiative is key to helping us get closer to ensuring our workforce represents our audience.”
