KEIGHLEY College is part of an initiative aimed at providing a route for people into the film and TV industry.

The college is one of three education providers involved in the venture, which is offering five part-time training courses for jobs in demand locally within the sector.

Recruits are now being sought for the courses, which will cover grip, lighting, hair and make-up, costume and production assistant.

Sessions – which will run between March and July next year – will be taught by tutors and industry professionals through practical training in person, and online tutorials and master classes.

Mentoring support will also be provided and there is a work experience module, if Covid-19 restrictions permit.

The recruitment campaign, the second of its kind, is being spearheaded by the National Film and Television School in Leeds, Screen Yorkshire and ScreenSkills.

This region has become a magnet for film and television producers.

Haworth has been used for many top-rated productions, including To Walk Invisible, written and directed by the multi-award-winning Sally Wainwright.

And other locations including the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway and Dalton Mills regularly appear on the big and small screen.

TV productions that have been filmed or are currently filming in the wider region – supported by Screen Yorkshire’s Film Office – include Gentleman Jack, Anne Boleyn, The Syndicate, Ackley Bridge and Meet The Richardsons.

Glyn Middleton, head of skills at Screen Yorkshire, said the training courses were vital for the future wellbeing of the TV and film industry in the region.

He added: “All the signs suggest that this region will again be a booming production area when the pandemic has receded. It’s important to have a well-trained workforce to cover all jobs and roles.”

Gareth Ellis-Unwin, head of film and animation at ScreenSkills, said: “We are committed to providing people from any background with pathways to break into this exciting industry.

“The courses will help to build and sustain a skilled local workforce that will enable Yorkshire and Humber to develop as a home to film and television production.

“We congratulate the students who underwent training this year, some of whom have already found work in the industry, even during the pandemic. And we hope to see strong applications for the new round of recruitment.”

Highlights of this year’s programme included master classes with world-leading costume designer Sandy Powell (The Irishman, The Favourite), Sally Wainwright, Oscar-winning producer/director Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 28 Days Later) and production designer Rick Carter (Avatar, Back to the Future, Star Wars and The Goonies).

Applicants for the training courses do not need any previous experience of working in the industry.

For further information and to apply, visit screenyorkshire.co.uk/craftcourses.

The deadline for applications is Monday, January 18.