Indielab, Renowned team on apprenticeships

UK production accelerator programme Indielab has partnered with Mark Raeburn at production company Renowned Films on an apprenticeship scheme.

Victoria Powell

The pair will apply for 30 government-funded apprenticeship placements for young people aged 16-24 who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment.

Sign-off came this week from the government for the initial 30 placements, which will be distributed amongst 25 indies, many of whom have been participants on the Indielab Accelerator scheme between 2016 and 2020.

Now authorised, the scheme can access funding for further apprentices for Indielab companies in future. The employers will offer six-month placements to individuals and receive funding from the government’s Kickstarter scheme for 100% of the relevant national minimum wage for 25 hours a week, plus associated employer contributions.

Victoria Powell, CEO of Indielab, said: “We are pleased to create positive social impact for young unemployed people through these 30 apprenticeships.

Mark Raeburn

“It’s a huge triumph and a moment of positivity in an otherwise challenging time for many in the sector. Social inclusion and diversity are part of our DNA at Indielab and now this scheme is established we will do more as we go forwards.”

Mark Raeburn, MD of Renowned Films, added: “The government-backed scheme is an incredibly exciting opportunity for employers to take on more junior staff members with minimal financial risk, which in these challenging times is the only realistic way for companies to take on inexperienced creatives when cashflow is crucial to survival.”

Indielab Accelerator recently called for applications for the 2021 edition of its TV growth programme.