The Seven Network has launched a Broadcast Trainee Program, in what it says is an effort to address the lack of industry training available in the country for technical and operational broadcast roles. It will also use the program to attempt to recruit and train new and diverse talent, it said.
The program will offer six successful candidates two-year paid contracts, which will combine formal TAFE study with mentoring and hands-on training. They will rotate through roles across Seven’s broadcast operations, broadcast maintenance, studio operations and news field operations, supporting and maintaining the systems and infrastructure that keep Seven on air.
The roles will be based out of Seven’s new flagship studios in Sydney’s South Eveleigh. They will work on shows including “Home and Away”, “7News”, and “Sunrise”, as well as key sporting broadcasts.
Seven said the Broadcast Trainee Program is aimed at anyone who has an interest in technology and broadcast operations, and the role they play in modern broadcast television. School leavers and candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in the industry are encouraged to apply, before the cut-off date of Jan. 17, 2023.
Placements kick off in February.
Dr Trent Dickenson, Seven West Media’s director of operations and transformation, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to be part of the next generation of highly skilled technicians and operators who deliver Seven’s much-loved content to the heart of communities across Australia. Seven directly reaches 91% of the Australian population, more than any other network, and it takes the best people to maintain the services our viewers expect.
“Our new trainee program aims to tackle the skills shortage in our industry by growing and developing exceptional talent with specialist technical skills to build and maintain the media production and broadcasting systems that will take Seven into the future.”
Andrew Anderson, Seven’s director of broadcast operations, added: “Seven is committed to finding and developing new voices into the industry and this program will offer the trainees a unique opportunity to not only study, but to also gain real-world experience that will set them up for a rewarding career at Seven or across the media industry.”
