Students will study with some of the UK’s most experienced Key Grips. With the support of delivery partner the National Film and Television School, they will take part in two ‘boot camps’ designed to prepare them for the specific requirements of gripping technicians in film and TV, such as their role within a department, the way departments interact with other departments during production, set etiquette and preparation for freelance life (including tax, invoicing and networking). The progression system for a grip will be explained, starting with Trainee, Grip, L2 grip, L3 grip, Key Grip.

They will also receive valuable Health & Safety Production Passport training, including first aid, and attend a one-day scissor lift-training course. Because of the Equipment Grips use the Health and Safety is paramount and you will need to abide by all guidelines to be able to progress in your chosen profession

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
• Understand the relevant equipment, accessories and related issues
• Be able to help prepare, organise and manage relevant equipment for a
  shoot
• Understand the basic principles of the safe handling & maintenance of grip equipment
• Be able to help organise effectively the accessories, including track support, cables, ties and other ancillary equipment
• Demonstrate an awareness of production issues related to sustainability
  and the environment
• Be able to operate effectively as a freelance worker
• Be ready to continue your training to become a qualified Film & Television grip.

No previous qualifications are required.

The course is entry level and is specifically targeted towards students who have identified the goal of establishing a career path as a Film & Television Grip. Training is an investment both for the candidate and the 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. Graduates are still welcome to apply, as are people looking to change career later in life.

The qualification will be assessed on the basis of workplace performance and evidence of technical understanding. Successful students will achieve a UK Film & Television Craft Certification as a Grip Trainee, endorsed by the National Film & Television School and ScreenSkills and recognised by film and television production and production insurers.

Applicants who will be 18 years old on 28 February 2020 will not be required to pay a fee for this course. For students over this age the course fee is set at £3,000, however you may be eligible for scholarship support for all or part of your course fees. If you are 19+ and would like to supply for a scholarship then you should tick the relevant box on the application form and we will send you further details.

The course runs from the induction day on Friday 28th February until early September 2020. Students should note that learning commitments throughout this period are full-time (approx. 20hrs per week), and there are limited term breaks and holidays depending on placement activity.

Applications closed at 11.59pm, Monday 13th January 2020. 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.

You may be invited for interview during week commencing 20th January 2020 so please check that you will be available at this time. Successful applicants will be offered a place on their chosen course by Friday 31st January 2020 and will be expected to confirm acceptance of their place by Friday 7th February 2020.

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