Channel 4 launches virtual work experience programme

Channel 4 has launched an online work experience programme to encourage young people to target a career in the broadcast industry.

4Skills Work Experience is a free virtual programme run by the broadcaster and GetMyFirstJob that will help young people match their skills to a potential career in the creative industries.

Aimed at people aged 16 and above, it covers some of the most important steps a TV show takes on its way to broadcast. This is from the initial idea to securing a sponsor, to deciding when a programme should be broadcast and analysing its success.

In addition, Channel 4 is also expanding its specialist programme, 4Schools, which is aimed at inspiring school students to consider a career in the media industry.

In its first year 4Schools focused on 11-14 year olds with more than 19,000 students from more than 60 schools taking part in 2022. 

This year, 4Schools will also include 14-16 year olds and include bespoke provision for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

The programme focuses on reaching schools which have a higher than national average percentage of free school meals. This is with the hope it will inspire students to explore a career in the media industry.

4Schools’ programmes include workshops, online exercises and talks with industry insiders and current Channel 4 employees on how to set about securing a successful creative career.

Channel 4’s managing director of Nations and Regions, Sinead Rocks, said: “We want to reach thousands more school students this year across the UK through 4Schools, students who might never have considered a career in broadcasting. 

“And the free online 4Skills work experience programme will be available to anyone, anywhere in the UK and help match their skills with a career in the creative industry and help more young people kick start their careers.”

The 4Skills Work Experience programme is being rolled out after a pilot with 250 participants ran in late 2022. Registration is now open for the programme commencing 1February.

Danielle Sherwood, Head of Media Studies at Arrow Vale Academy in Redditch, supported a group of students to complete the work experience.

She said: “In school we can be sheltered from the big wide world; we don’t know what’s out there. We have a wide range of skills among our students, who found the different 4Skills modules interesting. 

“This virtual work experience opens up the idea that actually, so much is created here in the UK. There is so much opportunity and talent here and maybe we don’t explore that enough.”

4Skills Work Experience is open to anyone aged 16 or older. For more details and to register, click here.