rad Scotland 2022 offers an eight-month paid placement with a Scottish production company with monthly training sessions provided by TRC to help kick-start careers in television. The programme was specifically created for those who are underrepresented in the TV industry: those either with a disability, from black, Asian or ethnic minority communities or from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Training will also be provided for the host companies to develop and sustain equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
12 trainees will undertake roles in various indie companies. This year the roles will include Researcher (Production/Development), Edit Assistant and Production Assistant.
TRC has successfully delivered rad in Scotland in 2019 and 2021, training a total of 20 new entrants. Of these, 18 people are still actively working in the industry.
The programme is funded by Screen Scotland, BBC Nations and Regions, Channel 4 and BBC Studios.
Margaret Scott and Claire Scally, joint MDs of TRC said:
“We have had great success from our rad programme in previous years, and we are delighted to be able to bring it back for 2022. We know how important programmes like this are in making our industry more inclusive and we are thrilled that the funding partners and production companies have supported the delivery of rad Scotland this year.”
Mick McAvoy of Two Rivers Media commented:
“TRC have set up a fantastic and much-needed scheme and, each year, they have shown remarkable skill in bringing together an amazing selection of young, talented, creative and energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds who are all keen to break-through into the television industry. All the feedback I hear from the other companies that have taken part has been positive and our organisation has benefitted hugely from working with excellent trainees. The biggest challenge facing broadcasting in the UK today is that of trying to reshape our industry in order to have programme-makers who reflect and understand the make-up of the audience we are broadcasting to, the rad scheme is a fantastic way to help companies achieve that aim.”
Jeannot Hutcheson of Raise the Roof Productions stated:
“Working on rad with TRC has been a hugely positive experience for Raise the Roof. The high standard of candidates we met at the point of recruitment, right through to the quality of training and support for our chosen candidate was second to none. It’s been exciting to see their journey from new entrant to bright production star of the future, whilst as the same time supporting our aim to improve the diversity of the Scottish television industry.”
Jane McLaughlin of BBC Studios said:
“We’re pleased and excited that rad is back for a third year as it continues to help break down barriers to career opportunities for those underrepresented in the sector. All of our trainees so far have been offered Researcher contracts following their placements in Drama, The Science Unit and The Documentary Unit in BBC Studios”.