Students from Solihull college take part in TV training courses
Students from Solihull College & University Centre, supported by the West Midlands Combined Authority, have completed a training bootcamp aligned with the upcoming series of Peaky Blinders.
Sixty students took part in the initiative, delivered through a partnership between Steven Knight’s production company Kudos, Solihull College & University Centre, Create Central, and the West Midlands Combined Authority. The free, bespoke training courses were designed to support local people into careers in high-end TV production.
Three distinct training routes were available: one for those starting out in the industry, one aimed at accelerating mid-level crew, and a third for people with transferable skills relevant to TV production, such as carpentry, art department roles, and hair and make-up.
The bootcamps combined practical training with industry-led sessions delivered by experts working in television. The courses were funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, commented: “The West Midlands is fast becoming the place to be for the UK’s creative industries. We’re a region buzzing with talent, ambition, and world-class opportunity. Many of the people on these bootcamps are already taking their first steps towards exciting careers in our rapidly growing creative sector, and there’s no better way to learn the craft than from the very best in the business.
“Huge opportunities are opening thanks to the investment we’ve secured from some of the biggest names in global TV and film, putting the West Midlands firmly on the creative map. I want us to continue working with partners in the creative industries to train the next generation and create high-quality jobs for on-screen and behind-the-camera talent. That means young people no longer must leave home to chase their dreams they can do it right here in the West Midlands.”
As part of the programme, participants were given a behind-the-scenes tour of Digbeth Loc Studios, where the new series of Peaky Blinders will be filmed. They also took part in panel discussions with leading industry experts from BBC Studios, Kudos, and Create Central.
The new series of Peaky Blinders is due to begin filming later this year, and it is hoped that some of the bootcampers will soon see their names appear in the end credits.
