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The HETV Fund’s three-year Leaders of Tomorrow programme gives support and training to those with the potential to rise to senior roles
For 10 years, the High-end TV Skills Fund has been working with the industry to support and develop the freelance workforce across the UK at all levels of their screen careers.
The Leaders of Tomorrow programme is one such example. Developed in collaboration with industry partners and designed to directly address the need for growth in skilled senior roles, the initiative aims to provide effective career pathways and increase diversity among leadership roles within HETV.
Having launched in 2021, the Fund has now unveiled the 25 candidates who will form the third Leaders of Tomorrow cohort. The mid-level crew, nominated by industry colleagues and identifi ed as ready to step up to a more senior role, will now be championed by the Fund via a three-year programme that will see them receive bespoke skills training, mentorships, paid placements and networking opportunities.
Kaye Elliott, ScreenSkills director of HETV, says: “I’m incredibly proud to welcome our third cohort onto the Leaders of Tomorrow programme. It’s a huge part of the Fund’s long-term focus on providing those crucial pathways towards career progression and has already seen direct impact through the members of previous cohorts now in leadership roles. These talented individuals, hand-picked by industry for their achievements and potential, are going to make a real difference across departments and grades as they progress in their careers.”
The new cohort came together to take part in their fi rst leadership training as well as attending a launch event in January, where, as part of the programme, they talked about their career aspirations for the next three years.
“I hope that working and learning from some of the greats in the craft will allow me to progress to sound designer or supervising sound editor”
Heather Andrews
Glasgow-based Heather Andrews, who works in post-production sound, is hopeful the programme will offer vital connection to a network that allows her to step up to the role of sound designer.
She says: “The Scottish TV industry is continuing to grow, but it can be hard to make industry connections and learn from those at senior positions in the craft, particularly in post-production, therefore making it increasingly diffi cult to progress to a higher level. The programme will allow me to focus on what I love best – sound design – and I hope that working and learning from some of the greats in the craft will allow me to progress to sound designer or supervising sound editor in the future.”
Having worked in unscripted production and in development, Niall Strawson hopes that the Leaders of Tomorrow programme will facilitate his career aspirations to become a producer/director, where he can bring his voice, unique perspective and style to factual programme-making.
Niall explains: “Leaders of Tomorrow will allow me to learn from others and, through placements, identify where I will excel as a leader. As a producer with a disability, diversity and representation are important to me. I feel this programme will allow me to combine my lived experience with the training offered to make me a future leader in TV.”
Following the introductions, the group now start their three-year journey. For more information about the three cohorts, the programme or how to offer placements, visit the ScreenSkills website.
