Lighting Apprenticeships

Developed by ScreenSkills and Access Creative, in partnership with leading industry practitioners, the first Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship has been officially launched in the UK.

This brand new initiative marks an important step forward in ensuring the delivery of much needed, properly trained, new entrants to the industry.

Historically, the only formally agreed training pathway for Film & TV Lighting Technicians was independently managed and administered by a handful of lighting rental houses. 

Following the demise of the scheme in the mid 2000's, Gaffers, Best Boys, Sparks, with the support of the BECTU Lighting Technicians Branch and Union Officials, have worked to navigate the intricacies of creating and funding a new route.

Dealing with numerous challenges and rule changes along the way, in 2021, this combined effort saw the creation of the Trailblazer Group, a consortium of Gaffers, Union Reps, ScreenSkills and Lighting Equipment Suppliers, who came together to orchestrate bringing this new training opportunity to reality.

The resulting submission, made by the Group in 2023, to the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE), culminated in the approval of the Apprenticeship Standard for a Level 3 Screen Lighting Technician.

This, in turn, allowed access to vital resources from the apprenticeship levy, an established fund to which broadcasters and production contribute. This essential investment helps nurture new talent, promote and support sustainability within the workforce, and helps to protect the long term delivery of quality crew.

Producers and production companies have long recognised the need to support new talent into the industry, and have funding set aside, but have also found the lighting electrical department a difficult department to source trainees that have the base line electrical competence. This scheme not only ensures trainees are safe from the first day they walk on set, but also have the equipment knowledge from the rental houses, setting them up to succeed. The Lighting Department is known for its ability to manage high risk activities with competent professionals, the SLT apprenticeship bridges the electrical competencies with the other skills essential to this department.

Following lengthy discussions to establish a blueprint for the scheme, the Trailblazer Group asked ScreenSkills to approach Access Creative to act as the training provider. The Screen Lighting Technician Apprenticeship was officially announced, with a launch event held at Pinewood Studios in May 2024.

Entry criteria include a suitable Level 2 Electrical course, such as C&G 2365-02, with candidates usually employed by a lighting vendor. The two year programme then comprises a combination of virtual and in-person training, which takes place alongside workplace duties set by the employer. 

Provided that targets are met, candidates receive placements with shooting and rigging crews on a variety of production types, which count towards their final assessment to becoming a Level 3 Screen Lighting Technician.

The first cohort of Screen Lighting Apprentices embarked on the next step in their careers, having started with MBS Equipment Co in February. A larger second wave is planned for September 2025, with Trailblazer members Panalux and Sunbelt Rentals, plus Universal Production Services, set to provide further opportunities.

Initially being run in the South East of England, the Trailblazer Group are now working towards widening coverage to production hubs across the UK.

Mark Thornton, Chair of BECTU Lighting Technicians Training Committee, said

This scheme has been a long time coming. As a product of the previous apprenticeship scheme in the mid 90s, I was given so many great opportunities, and it is fantastic to finally see a new wave of learners starting their lighting journey.

Toby Dare, MBSE Director Sustainability & Risk Management says, 

Having contributed to this important new programme over several years, we are delighted to now welcome this first cohort of apprentices at MBS Equipment Co. The introduction of the scheme provides invaluable opportunity for new entrants to begin a new stage of their career, and is an essential step towards creating a sustainable future within our industry. We are confident that the combination of prior electrical qualifications, access to equipment, unique networking opportunities and structured learning will be the keys to success for these and all future screen lighting technicians.

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Apprenticeship opportunities are advertised via the training provider

Access Industries

Search for: 

Level 3 Screen Lighting Technician

with Companies such as, MBSE, Sunbelt, Panalux & Universal in the listings at :

https://accessindustry.co.uk/vacancies/

Bookmark the page to refer back to later

opportunities will be posted for a September intake over the Summer, with a possible February intake posted over the Winter

*Note - Live Event Technician and Creative Venue Technician apprenticeships are NOT for Film, TV and Commercial Sectors

For any Queries or comments, please email the LTECH Branch Training Rep: training.bectusparks@gmail.com