New partnership offers vital skills development for UK television and industry-related workers. This article explains how to access no-cost courses during a challenging period for freelance jobs. Learn if you can apply
If you’re looking to build a portfolio career in television and media arts, there are FREE courses in TV adjacent industries, including podcasting, digital, AI, gaming, branded, AR, VR, social and project management.
Prime Video Pathway and the National Film and Television School have expanded free training for freelancers in 2026. The initiative responds to unprecedented challenges facing UK television workers.
The programme includes over 60 virtual courses and intensive in-person training. Applications for face-to-face sessions close on 25 January 2026.
What the programme offers
The 2026 programme includes over 60 one-day virtual courses. Topics cover generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills.
The additional two-day sessions focus on emerging technologies. Saturday sessions have been made available to accommodate working schedules.
Virtual training reached 463 freelancers during the 2025 pilot. In 2026, the six-week schedule will feature 14 webinars.
In-person training offers nine days covering podcasting, digital storytelling, and AI. Participants receive personalised development plans.
Three hours of one-to-one career coaching are included. Waitlists operate for fully booked courses.
Why does this free training matter now?
UK freelance television workers face significant challenges. According to BECTU’s 2024 survey, 63% of freelancers experienced reduced work in the past year. They need to venture into related work and industries, but need to build transitional skills to get a foot in the door.
Free training for freelancers helps workers remain competitive. Skills development can help offset periods of reduced employment.
A case in point: the Production Industry Freelancer Survey 2024 reported 47% of respondents earned less than £25,000. Industry-wide production spend declined following the Hollywood strikes.
Current state of UK TV freelance jobs
Competition for available roles has intensified. Junior and mid-level positions face particular pressure as productions scale back crew sizes.
The UK television industry employs approximately 40,000 freelancers. ScreenSkills’ 2024 census found 71% of the workforce works freelance or on fixed-term contracts.
High-end television production fell 23% in 2024 compared to 2022. Streaming platforms reduced UK commissions following subscriber growth slowdowns.
The British Film Institute reported £4.34 billion in production spend for 2023. This represents a 15% decrease from the previous year.
Who can apply for free training?
Virtual courses require a minimum of three professional credits. In-person training requires a minimum of three years’ industry experience.
The intensive face-to-face programme supports freelancers out of work for four months or more. Maximum 15 participants per location.
Programmes are open to all genres, departments, grades, and UK regions. Locations include Cardiff, London, Leeds, and Glasgow.
Have questions? Get in ouch here: Reskill.Upskill@nfts.co.uk
How the training addresses skills gaps
The free training for freelancers focuses on emerging production technologies. Virtual production and LED volume techniques feature prominently.
Sustainability modules cover green production practices. These skills align with new industry standards from BAFTA’s albert certification.
Advanced post-production workflows address remote collaboration requirements. Training includes cloud-based editing and review platforms.
ScreenSkills identified these areas as critical development needs. The training directly responds to employer feedback about capability gaps.
Application process and timeline
Virtual training tickets are available via Eventbrite. Booking opened on 8 January 2026 for the six-week programme.
- Week One sessions went live on 8 January at 10:00. Week Two bookings opened on 13 January at 20:00
- Week Three bookings open on 20 January at 14:00. Week Four sessions go live on 29 January at 10:00
- Week Five opens on 3 February at 20:00. Final week bookings launch on 12 February at 14:00
In-person training applications close on 25 January 2026. Apply via the NFTS website.
Industry response to the Initiative
The 2025 pilot drew 800+ survey responses from UK freelancers. Engagement was strongest among professionals with 11+ years’ experience.
Survey findings revealed 30% of freelancers were out of work for 4-6 months. Another 23% hadn’t worked for a year or more.
Respondents cited cost and awareness as the biggest barriers. Free training for freelancers directly addresses both obstacles.
Prime Video Pathway has trained 452 individuals since 2022. Approximately 85% remain employed in the TV industry.
The Prime Video Pathway expansion represents £2.2 million additional investment. Free training for freelancers supports portfolio career development during challenging times.
Virtual course bookings continue through February via Eventbrite. In-person applications close 25 January at nfts.co.uk.
Learn more about general courses here.
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