Trainees will learn with an industry professional located at Prime Studios in West Yorkshire. We will endeavour to provide a work experience module on active film or TV sets , however while best efforts will be made, placements cannot be guaranteed. The course has been created in response to increased demand for costume expertise on UK-based productions, with the role identified by the BFI and ScreenSkills as an ‘in demand’ skill set across film and high-end television production.

Screen Yorkshire and the CoSE:Y team will deliver a introduction week designed to prepare the trainees for the specific requirements of costume crew in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette, sustainability training and preparation for freelance life (including CV and application writing, tax, invoicing and networking).

Furthermore, as a trainee of Screen Yorkshire, we provide a real on set experience in collaboration with Leeds MetFilm School on a large filming project at the end of your course. It will consist of a 3-day shoot in studio, with a crew, teaching you set etiquette and how to work in a professional manner. You will put into practise all the skills you have learnt throughout your duration of time training with us, providing you with the confidence to move forward with your career.

On completion of the certificate, you will:

• Understand how to communicate effectively with colleagues in both prep and on location/set
• Be able to develop and maintain good working relationships during the production process
• Understand hazards and risks in the workplace and be able to evaluate and minimise risks
• Be able to measure, cut & sew (both by hand & machine) and press clothing efficiently & safely
• Understand the relevant equipment, materials, supplies & related issues
• Organise efficiently the workstations, other ancillary equipment & supplies and prepare laundry facilities
• Be able to select, prepare, organize & manage the wardrobes, materials, equipment & supplies for a shoot
• Understand the characteristics of the relevant costume materials
• Have a developed understanding of the Costume Department principles
• Have an understanding of the importance of continuity in Costume
• Have an appreciation of Costume history – the fashion & styles
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability and the environment particularly in connection with the care & laundering of fabrics
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker
• Buying and accounting for costume department
• Costume breakdowns

Find out more about the role from our short video interview with Peter Bonnén, whose credits include Emmerdale (ITV) and Ackley Bridge (Channel 4).

The course is entry level and is specifically targeted at trainees who have identified a career path in costume as their professional goal. We are looking for a cohort of trainees who bring a diverse range of experiences to the group and we actively encourage applicants from groups who are currently underrepresented in the film and television industries.

No previous formal TV or Film qualifications are required, although basic sewing skills and experience with the different settings of a standard sewing machine are essential. If you do not have any formal proof of your sewing skills in form of a relevant degree or vocational course certificate, please provide images of samples of your work with a written description of the work undertaken as part of your application.

Training is an investment both for the candidate and the training provider and so should only be undertaken by candidates with a clear commitment to achieving a high level of proficiency and dedication to the craft. Entrants will be 18+ and some applicants may choose to undertake this award instead of going to University. University graduates are welcome to apply, as are people looking to change their career path later in life.

Applicants must be 18 years old on 6th February 2023 to apply for this course. For students over this age there is a course fee of £2000 which includes an admin fee, however you may be eligible for bursary support covering the majority of the course fee. If you would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to in the main application form when you submit. Payment plans are available for those paying their course fee.

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of course performance and evidence of technical understanding. Successful trainees will achieve a UK Film & Television Craft Certification in Costume, endorsed by Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills and recognised by film and television production and production insurers.

The course will run between April and July 2023. Trainees should note that learning commitments throughout the teaching period are part-time (Wednesday, Thursdays, Fridays) on site plus at least a half day of self-learning around set tasks. Full time commitment is expected during the introduction week (17th – 21st April) and the planned work experience placement. There are no term breaks or holiday periods.

Applications received after this date will not be considered. If for any reason you need to submit your application by an alternative method or have any other queries, then please contact training@screenyorkshire.co.uk. To apply, please complete and submit our online application form via the button below.

You may be invited to a phone/online interview between February 20th – 10th March. Successful applicants will be offered a place by the end of March and will be expected to accept within 3 days of the offer. We will endeavour to contact everyone who applies, however due to the number of applications we receive, if you have not heard from us by then please assume you have not been offered a place on one of the courses.

The UK film & TV craft courses are part of the Centre of Screen Excellence: Yorkshire, a ground-breaking pilot delivered by Screen Yorkshire and supported by ScreenSkills using National Lottery funds awarded by the BFI as part of the Future Film Skills programme.

As part of our remit to monitor and improve access to under-represented groups in the industry, we report to our funders on the diversity of applicants to this scheme. We would be extremely grateful if you please could also fill in the diversity form on our website application page through the link below.