A group of young people are in front of an American and a British flag. The American students are wearing red t-shirts. The British are wearing school uniforms. The photo is from the series Class Apart: The Great US School Swap.

The TV industry needs you!

Breaking down barriers, championing the underrepresented, nurturing fresh talent. That's what we're all about on the Channel 4 Production Training Scheme.

We offer opportunities across the UK - in Belfast, Glasgow, Cardiff, London, Leeds, Manchester, Wrexham and Bristol. Trainees get to work in paid, full-time roles for independent production companies for 12 months alongside support and training delivered by thinkBIGGER!

Production Coordinator or Researcher, which will it be?

On the Production Training Scheme, you can pick the right pathway for you - with companies across unscripted television, you can find the role that's best suited to your skill set and interests.

A table read featuring actors from Channel 4's series Big Boys. The actors are looking left down the table and laughing.

Trainee Researcher

Inquisitive? Have a great eye for detail? Then you'd make a great Researcher.

Find a researcher role

A scene from Channel 4's Tapped Out with three women sat on chairs in a utility room react to something they are seeing.

Trainee Production Coordinator

Are you a natural organiser and great at logistics? Then Production sounds like it's for you.

Find a production coordinator role

Sisters Elli and Izzi from Channel 4's Gogglebox are mouth-open, shocked at something they are watching television.

Earn while you learn

Learn from the very best the television industry has to offer, all while earning a salary, which is set at £25,000 a year for trainees in the Nations and Regions and £27,000 in London.

Getting your start in the industry when you've got no experience and need to earn a living can be really hard - and we know this impacts the diversity of the UK production industry. That's why all of our trainees receive invaluable training and get paid for the duration of this one year scheme.

Learn more

On the job training

Over the course of 12 months, thinkBIGGER! will provide ongoing training, checking in with you monthly—either in person or virtually—to monitor your progress and offer additional support to help grow your career. The programme will begin with a one-week TV Boot Camp, where you'll receive an introduction to the scheme and an overview of what to expect throughout the year. This kick-off week is designed to set you up for success and give your TV career the boost it deserves!

In one year, I worked on a range of productions from Cricket in the West Indies, to E-Sports and Formula E and finally, the 2024 Paralympic Games. I was in Paris for three weeks and even got onsite at the Stade de France working on the Athletics. The final pinch-me moment was being invited to the Broadcast Awards 2025 where the Paralympics won Best Sports Programme. It's been an incredible, life-changing year.

Izzy Harbisher, Production Coordinator, Whisper TV

The PTS is one of the most incredible stepping stones into the industry. Having the opportunity to be placed at a reputable company for a year allows you to gain an immense amount of experience and build an invaluable network of contacts. The scheme itself is an incredibly supportive environment that's laser-focussed on your training and development, and years later, I'm still reaping its benefits.

Mahi Iftikhar, Series Producer

Without the Channel 4 PTS, I would have never pursued my dream of working in TV. The training gave me a good grounding in how the industry works, shaped my technical skills and allowed me to make important contacts. Their support and guidance gave me a real confidence boost and laid a strong foundation for my career. To anyone starting out, I highly recommend this course—it's a game-changer!

Danielle Fallon, Senior Development Producer, Firecrest Films

Coming from the North West with no industry connections, I wouldn't be where I am today without the Channel 4 PTS in 2012. It offers unparalleled 360-degree exposure to the world of television. Working at an indie, supported by training from ThinkBigger and Channel 4, gave me unique exposure into every aspect of the industry — helping me find my path and launch my career.

Alexandra Burke, Head of Development (Constructed Factual), Minnow Films

Frequently asked questions

The Production Training Scheme is open to people looking to get their first step into television. You must be eligible to work in the UK and be able to work full-time.

This is an entry level role, experience in this field or a relevant degree is not required. We are looking for people who have a clear and demonstrable passion for Television Production, with no more than 3 months of industry experience.

The scheme lasts for a full year, starting from the 15 September 2025. Upon starting the scheme, trainees will do a week long boot camp with our training partner, thinkBIGGER! They will start with their chosen company in their second week of the scheme. Trainees will then be required to attend in-person or virtual training once per month. Where relevant, Channel 4 will cover any travel and accommodation costs for training.

View more FAQs