Trainees will learn with Keighley College in West Yorkshire and will be taught by textile teachers and industry professionals. A work experience module on active film or TV sets is intended to be included (Covid-19 restrictions permitting) in the programme. 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.

Furthermore, Screen Yorkshire and the CoSE:Y team will deliver two ‘boot camps’ 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). They will also receive valuable Health & Safety Production Passport training including Covid-19 safety training.

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

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 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 who were 18 years old on 31st August 2021 will not be required to pay a fee for this course. For trainees over this age the course fee is set at £2000 however you may be eligible for bursary support covering the majority of the course fee. If you are 19+ and would like to apply for a bursary, please fill out the bursary application form linked to in the main application form.

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of workplace 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 May 16 and August 5, 2022. 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 between April 19 and July 15). Full time commitment is expected during the 2 bootcamps (May 9 to 13 and June 13 to 17) and the planned work experience placement (July 11 – August 5). 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 March 15 and 25. 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 before April 15, however, 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.