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TV or film camera operator apprenticeships

Creative and media

TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • working towards the role
  • volunteering
  • industry training


    • University

    You can take a university course to develop your camera skills before looking for work. Relevant courses include degrees in media production, media technology or photography. It may give you an advantage if you can find a course that offers practical experience and possibly a work placement. You'll usually need 2 to 3 A-Levels, or equivalent.

     

    College
    You can take a college course, like: 

    • Level 2 Diploma In Creative Media Production & Technology 
    • Level 3 Certificate in Media Techniques 
    • Level 3 Diploma in Photography
    You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course. You'll need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course. 

    Work
    You could start out as a camera assistant and learn while you work from an experienced camera operator.

    Volunteering

    You can get practical experience and build up your contacts through: 

    • community film projects 
    • working for a camera equipment hire company 
    • finding work experience as a runner or camera assistant with a production company
    Other Routes
    You may be able to apply for the Guild of British Camera Technicians' Trainee Scheme which offers training and mentoring by experienced people working in the industry. The application process is very competitive. You can also do short courses through the National Film and Television School. 

    TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need:

    • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
    • knowledge of media production and communication
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • the ability to work well with others 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

    TV or film camera operator apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In your day-to-day duties you might: 

    • set up camera equipment 
    • choose the most suitable lenses and camera angles
    • plan and rehearse shots
    • follow a camera script
    • work closely with other technical departments
    Working environment
    You could work at a TV studio, at a film studio or on a film set. Your working environment may be at height, outdoors in all weathers and you may spend nights away from home.

    Career path and progression - TV or film camera operator apprenticeships

    With experience, you could become a camera supervisor, cinematographer or director of photography. You could specialise in a particular field, like underwater filming, aerial photography or wildlife work.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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