Labour's Work and Pensions Secretary visits Pinewood Studios during annual careers event

Labour’s Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden MP co-chaired a roundtable with Pinewood at a free film and TV careers event at its studios on Friday. 

A host of industry representatives were at the Iver Heath-based studios for Pinewood's Futures Festival event. 

The annual festival was attended by more than 4,500 young people and showcased the variety of careers available in the film and TV industry for young people.

Industry professionals and employers spoke to guests about the routes available into the sector.

Attendees included Netflix, Disney, Amazon MGM Studios, Buckinghamshire College Group, Apple TV+, Screen Bucks, Pinewood Group, Sony, Marvel Studios, the British Film Institute.

During the event, Mr McFadden heard about the work of industry leaders to boost opportunities in the sector for young people and called for the industry to back the Government’s Youth Guarantee.

The scheme offers a job, work experience or training to young people aged 18 to 21-years-old.

Pinewood Studios, home to James Bond and the Carry on films, has also pledged its support for the scheme.

The Pinewood Group, which incorporates the Pinewood and Shepperton Studios has been providing young training through its Behind the Screen Trainee Programme.

Delivered in collaboration with Jobcentre Plus, the initiative supports those currently out of work by offering paid six-month placements and providing hands-on experience.

Mr McFadden also met with trainees of the Behind the Screen programme to hear about the training they are receiving.

All Spring Media, which provides skills bootcamps and training programmes, is also supporting the Youth Guarantee scheme. 

Pat McFadden MP said: "With almost a million young people not in education, employment or training, we need to create pathways of opportunity and help them build careers.  

“Today's festival has shown what's possible when government and industry work together. 

"Apprenticeships benefit everyone – young people gain skills and experience, while employers gain fresh talent and new perspectives.

"The Behind the Screen programme is a great example of this in action, helping young people break into an industry that can otherwise feel out of reach. 

"I'm delighted that Pinewood is backing our Youth Guarantee. I'm calling on other employers across the creative industries to follow their lead and open their doors to the next generation of talent." 

Andrew Smith, corporate affairs director of Pinewood Group, said: “Pinewood Group is committed to opening doors and creating accessible pathways into the industry.

“Our well-established ‘Behind the Screen’ programme offers paid, hands‑on placements for those out of work, while our annual Pinewood Futures Festival continues to inspire and engage the next generation of industry talent.” 

Martina Porter, managing director at Spring Media, said: “All Spring Media is delighted to support the Youth Guarantee.

“For 15 years we have been supporting a more inclusive workforce for film and television, and the Youth Guarantee is a huge step forward in raising the aspirations of our talented young people, making a career in this industry a reality.” 

Sara Whybrew, director of skills and workforce development at the British Film Institute, said: "For the next generation to thrive, we must level the playing field across the UK especially for those who may lack the support needed to access work on their doorstep.

“Our UK-wide skills programmes for young people - from sector specific careers advice in schools, our UK-wide Film Academy programme, through to paid work placements on studio productions and onto a range of career progression pathways - are designed to address inequalities and prioritise opening up opportunities to those currently underrepresented in the screen sector’s workforce.

“We look forward to working with DWP and our industry colleagues to enable the screen sector to play a role in supporting the ambitions of the Youth Guarantee."