Indielab has partnered with Mark Raeburn at production company Renowned Films to apply for 30 apprenticeship placements for young people aged 16 – 24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.
Sign-off came this week from the Government for the initial 30 placements, which are to be distributed amongst 25 indies, many of whom have been participants on the Indielab Accelerator scheme between 2016 and 2020.
Now fully authorised, the Indielab / Renowned apprenticeship scheme can access funding for further apprentices for Indielab companies in future. The employers will offer a 6-month placement to individuals and receive funding from Government’s Kickstarter scheme for 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer contributions.
Victoria Powell, CEO of Indielab said’ We are very proud to have created the first Kickstarter scheme to be approved for the UK Indie sector. We are pleased to create positive social impact for young unemployed people through these 30 apprenticeships. It’s a huge triumph, and a moment of positivity in an otherwise challenging time for many in the sector. Social inclusion and diversity are part of our DNA at Indielab and now this scheme is established we will do more as we go forwards.’
Mark Raeburn, MD of Renowned Films said “The government backed scheme is an incredibly exciting opportunity for employers to take on more junior staff members with minimal financial risk, which in these challenging times is the only realistic way for companies to take on inexperienced creatives when cashflow is crucial to survival. Finding the next generation of founders like those of Renowned Films who set up the business at just 22. Providing them with key television production experience to help them grow as talents, this just wouldn’t have been possible on such a large scale without this scheme. Through facilitating this scheme via our partnership with Indielab, together we have been immediately able to access some of the indies who need the grant the most. It’s a great example of collaboration at its best.’
Indielab Accelerator recently announced the call for applications for its 2021 edition of its TV growth programme for indies looking to achieve scale and develop their business. Every year, Indielab Accelerator provides 15 early and mid-stage production companies with a programme that enables them to hone their USP and business vision and explores the growth opportunities that are specific to their businesses
Jon Creamer
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