Skillset launches multimedia training bursaries for freelancers

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Skillset, the UK's body for the creative media industry, has launched a bursary scheme for freelance journalists looking for multimedia training courses. The multi-platform bursaries offer a grant of up to £800 for freelancers with an interest in working in broadcasting to spend on a range of 38 pre-selected, foundation-level courses , including an introductory course on social media and shooting video for the web.

To be eligible for a bursary, candidates must demonstrate either professional experience in the UK TV industry or the wider creative media industries with a view to working solely in TV or in broadcasting as part of a multimedia role.

There are 500 places available as part of the scheme.

"The onset of convergence between the television, digital, and interactive media industries is creating new challenges and demanding new skills from the workforce. Therefore, multi-platform skills have been identified by Skillset's Television Skills Council as a priority training area. The council is made up of senior representatives from broadcasters, unions and independent producers, who all agree that while multi-platform delivery is the future of television, there are large skills shortages in this area," wrote Suzanne Ashley, publishing sector manager at Skillset, in a blog post today .

The full criteria and guidelines for the bursaries can be downloaded at this link . The deadline for applications is 26 March 2010.

The bursaries, which are part of a £200,000 investment by Skillset in multi-platform skills, are also open to permanent employees, who are entitled to grants of up to £500 for selected courses.