Grierson Trust announces latest cohort for Grierson DocLab: New Entrants scheme

Grierson DocLab: New Entrants offers training and work placements

UK factual body The Grierson Trust has named the 12 people who have been selected to take part in the latest edition of the Grierson DocLab: New Entrants training scheme.

Now in its 14th year, the initiative provides training and work placements to people from a wide range of backgrounds looking to begin careers in factual television.

The cohort of 18- to 25-year-olds, three-quarters of whom are from outside London, will benefit from hands-on training and mentoring to become ‘job ready’ for a range of entry-level roles.

The trainees set to join the scheme are Grace Acum, Leah Adina, Dominique Baptiste, Mila Boersma, Lillie Brazier, Dylan Coundley-Hughes, Olivia Hughes, Moyenda Lowe, Jennifer Morrison, Sakura Singh Corke and Katie Wilson.

National Geographic is once again the headline industry sponsor for the programme, with Banijay UK also renewing its support.

Prodcos supporting the New Entrants 2026 programme include 22 Summers, 72 Films, BBC Studios, Blast Films, Box to Box Films, Curious Films, Dragonfly, KEO Films, Mindhouse, Minnow Films, Orchard Studios, Passion Pictures, Raw TV, Rogan Productions, The Garden, True North, Twenty Twenty, Twofour, Wall to Wall, Wise Owl Films (part of All3Media) and Wonderhood Studios.

Sylvia Bednarz, MD of the Grierson Trust, said: “At a time when the sector faces real challenges, it’s more important than ever that we champion bold, original storytellers, particularly those whose voices have too often been under-represented.

“This new cohort represents the next generation of documentary talent in the UK – storytellers we back to bring fresh perspectives, creativity and determination to the industry. We’re proud to support them as they take their first steps.

“We’d like to thank our partners National Geographic, Banijay UK and all the production companies offering work placements, who make these opportunities possible.”