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The HETV Fund locked down £10m from productions last year, money that is helping to finance a wide variety of training programmes
For the High-end TV Skills Fund, the 2025-26 financial year was one of landmark productions, milestone training achievements and record-breaking investment in the UK’s screen workforce.
From April 2025, circa 200 productions paid in to the Fund, resulting in a record total of more than £10m in contributions. In addition, the year became a demonstration of how the Fund’s close collaboration with industry and targeted investment enables it to support those at each stage of their screen careers.
Hannah Green, Head of High-end TV Skills Fund, ScreenSkills, says: “The HETV Skills Fund is uniquely positioned to support UK freelancers through a holistic and consistent training pathway, from early career through to HoD level. Over the past year, the Fund has helped thousands of new and experienced crew across the UK through initiatives such as Trainee Finder, Make a Move, Leaders of Tomorrow, and 50-plus training programmes.”
For those taking their first steps in TV, the First Break initiative offers a vital pathway to entry, and provided nine Yorkshire locals with production placements on breakout hit Adolescence. The pre-new entrant inclusivity programme aims to demystify entry into the TV industry for individuals who otherwise might never consider it open to them.
David Hinnit was a policeman for West Yorkshire police before using First Break to change career. He says: “Without First Break people like me would never get the chance to work in the industry or even get to see what it’s like to work on a set. I found it really useful.”
Career progression programme Make a Move is celebrating its 10th year. Designed to help productions support crew to step up, the initiative has helped more than 1,200 freelancers make the move into a more senior role.
“Make a Move allowed me to step into the hot seat of a high-end TV show. It was an invaluable experience”
Jon Bier, Make a Move participant
Through the programme, Jon Bier was able to gain experience on How To Get To Heaven From Belfast: “Make a Move allowed me to step into the hot seat of a high-end TV show. I was brought on as a shadow director with the understanding that any 2nd unit directing would fall to me. It was an invaluable experience.”
Similar aims lie behind the Fund’s three-year Leaders of Tomorrow initiative, focused on providing comprehensive and tailored support to mid-level professionals to give them the tools to progress into senior, decision-making positions. In February, a new cohort were welcomed onto the programme.
Elizabeth Andrews, a hair and make-up professional, says: “The programme has had a massive impact on my confidence and desire to excel as a leader. If you are lacking purpose or feeling stuck as a freelancer, this is an amazing programme to be involved with.”
A job-sharing programme provides increased flexibility to professionals, promoting the retention of experienced talent while creating an opportunity to redress the work-life balance and improve the mental health of crew members.
Sophie Martin joined the production of Trigger Point through the initiative. She explains: “The job share is working perfectly for myself and my young family. I hope that more mums can experience the feeling of ‘success’ that I have by going back to work.”
The Fund’s online training allows freelancers to fit in learning around busy schedules, while its returning leadership and management essentials course helps HoDs get the best from their teams by focusing on team dynamics, inclusive working and managing performance.
By being trusted with contributions from productions throughout the year, the Fund has continued to invest in key training programmes that cater for every stage of a screen career and looks to further build on this success in the year to come.
