Ignite

Launch a future behind the screens

Fresh out of sixth form or college, or soon to be? This is the Content Academy programme for you.

You’ll spend 12 months in an area of our business, rotating through different teams, picking up new skills and experiencing everything Sky has to offer.

The hours can be unusual, and the work hard, but it’s an opportunity for experiences like no other. Setting up sound for Soccer AM, supplying lighting equipment to Universal Film, manning the autocue for the evening news – there’s no telling what you could find yourself doing, or who with. Strap in. It’s going to be an exciting ride.

The placements

Sky Osterley

Choose a placement at Osterley and over the next 12 months you’ll experience everything it has to offer.

Sky Sports – closed

“When you’re dealing with a live production, the days are planned out, but you never know what’s actually going to happen…”

You might be at the O2 shooting the big fight on Monday, and servicing camera equipment for 8 hours on Tuesday. You might be assisting on Soccer AM’s live show with a call time of 5.45am on Saturday after a late night rehearsal the day before. No two days at Sky Sports are the same, but you’ll pick up skills and gain experiences that will set you up for success.

During this 12 month programme, you’ll experience rotations across Sky Sports which could include:

Junior Journalist
Junior Assistant Producer
Junior Social Media/Video Producer
MSO – Multi Skilled Operator
Digital Video Junior AP
SSN Planning
SSN Production.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

Sky News – closed

“News changes quickly, so people need to adapt to the fast-changing news environment.”

Joined by the experts at Sky News, you’ll see first hand how we deliver high quality coverage of news stories across our 24-hour multi-platform news operation. Get the inside scoop on our editorial process. Understand the live broadcast environment. Shadow our talented teams as they create original and exciting content.

During this 12 month programme, you’ll experience rotations across Sky News which could include:

Junior Journalist
Junior Audio/Podcast Producer
Junior Digital Producer
Junior Studio Multi-skilled Operator
Junior Text Producer.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

Sky Studios – closed

“Every show has its own timeline as it’s going through preparation, shoot, post-production… they all have a different rhythm you’ll get to experience.”

A placement at Sky Studios gives you the unique opportunity to see how shows are made from start to finish. It’s a busy production environment, where you’ll meet lots of people and get to try out a huge range of things. Whatever you’re doing, you’ll be getting invaluable experience that will help you launch a successful career.

During this 12 month programme, you’ll experience rotations across Sky Studios which could include:

Music Assistant
Production Assistant
Editorial Assistant
Production Operations Assistant.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

Sky Studios Elstree

Choose a placement at Elstree and over the next 12 months you’ll experience everything it has to offer.

Runners – closed

Runners

Working as a flexible resource in support of all departments across Sky Studios Elstree, the runners team has a critical role to play in ensuring that Studio users have a first class production experience whilst working at Sky Studios Elstree. You’ll complete two 6 month rotations across Client Services and Operations.

What you’ll be doing

Providing first class customer service support to clients working at Sky Studios Elstree
Providing day to day support, as required, across the site to:
- Client Services
- Operations
- Front of House / Reception team
- Mailroom team
- Health and safety
- IT.
Support in setting up and clearing down client areas before and after occupation across the site in offices, stages, dressing rooms, make-up, wardrobe, production support buildings, screening rooms, meeting rooms, etc.
Providing on-set runner service, as required by production
Administrative support to Client Services and Operations team as required.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

Lighting – closed

Set Lighting Operations Technician

Working as part of a busy team at Universal Production Services lighting equipment facility in Elstree. Gaining practical skills and specialist training. We supply the lighting and rigging equipment to Sky and Universal Film and TV Productions. The successful candidate will gain unique insight into Film Production in a busy Film Studio. They will have a critical role to play in ensuring that all Productions have a first class, professional and reliable service experience whilst working at Sky Studios Elstree.

What you’ll be doing

Providing first class customer service support to clients working at Sky Studios Elstree
Providing day to day support, as required, within the Lighting facility warehouse to Operations Technicians
Counting and preparing lighting and/or rigging equipment for productions
Managing equipment Returns
Maintaining a tidy, safe and secure facility.

Note this opportunity will not be rotational. This placement may involve a variety of shift patterns.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

Rigging – closed

Set Rigging Yard Technician

We supply the lighting and rigging equipment to Sky and Universal film and TV productions. In this programme, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring all our clients enjoy a professional and reliable customer service experience when working at Sky Studios Elstree. You’ll be working as part of a busy team at Universal Production Services lighting equipment facility in Elstree and onsite at Sky Studios Elstree, and there will be opportunities for you to complete specialist training and gain a range of practical skills.

What you’ll be doing

Providing clients with first-class customer service
Supporting people within the rigging facility, including yard supervisors, construction riggers and electrical riggers
Counting and preparing rigging equipment for productions
Managing equipment returns
Helping to keep the facility tidy, safe and secure.

This opportunity consists of a single placement, which may involve a variety of shift patterns.

We welcome applications from all and encourage applications from candidates from underrepresented groups. These include people from Black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds, women, disabled people, LGBTQ+, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Eligibility: This programme is aimed at anyone who will be 18 or over by 15th October 2023 and is not currently a university student or graduate.

If you are a graduate or are currently completing a degree, check out our Creative Access opportunities.

This programme is now closed for 2023 applications.

What we look for

Support

Training & development

Perks

What to expect when you apply

What we look for content

At Sky, we look for people who can rise to the challenge and quickly focus on finding a solution. People who are always striving for simpler, smarter, faster and better ways of working. Whether that’s explaining complicated things simply and confidently. Being able to draw meaningful insights from a set of complex data. Or staying ahead of the curve by keeping up with the latest technological advances and applying them at work.

People here aren’t afraid to work hard. They know that to be brilliant, they need to push themselves constantly to achieve more. They can adapt in fast-paced environments. And they enjoy being kept on their toes by working on a variety of tasks. They’re driven by their genuine passion. Working towards our purpose and values to give customers more of what they love. And no-one does it alone. Working here means being part of a team that looks for opportunities to collaborate and support colleagues to deliver the best results. So, if you’re someone who constantly seeks opportunities to learn from your experiences and the people around you, then a career at Sky could be right for you.

Support content

Ignite will push you to your potential, but you won’t be on your own. As well as the support of your team and your manager, we’ll give you a buddy to provide a helping hand and guide you through all things Sky. The Early Careers team will regularly check in with you and we’ll also invite you to events where you’ll meet other people on the Sky Ignite programme (as well as those programmes in other areas). These events will give you the chance to meet role models from across the business.

What to expect content

Preparation Hub

Want to learn more about yourself, practice some example exercises and hear from some of our current graduates and apprentices? Why not try out our Preparation Hub?

This dedicated practice zone will give you an insight into what our assessment process is like. You’ll have an opportunity to try:

A generic job simulation with tasks that you could experience in your early careers role
Numerical, verbal and critical reasoning questions
A trial virtual interview
An immersive assessment with scenarios that reflect what could happen at Sky.

What’s more, you’ll discover your values, the type of work you may be suited to and your preferred learning styles.

You can register for the Preparation Hub before you even make an application with us and use it as many times as you like.

Please note this does not contribute to your formal application.

Application form

First, you’ll complete our online application form with your details and academic information. There are five questions as part of this form. This is so we can really understand your motivations to join the programme and how well your strengths fit with what you’ll need in the role.

Require any special adjustments to be made to complete our stages? Just let us know when you submit your application and someone from our team will be in touch to discuss this further.

Digital assessment

If successful, you’ll be invited to our digital assessment stage. You’ll be presented with a number of scenarios to find out how you might respond to them. This could involve writing or recording your response.

Here are some tips to help you get settled into this stage:

Find somewhere quiet where you won’t get distracted
It might help to turn off your phone or keep it on silent
Open a new browser window or close any tabs you aren’t currently using
Have a pen, some paper and calculator to hand
Get the camera ready. Make sure you’re in a tidy, well-lit space with good internet connection. And of course, test your audio and webcam to check that they’re working fine. We’ll give you some more instructions to help you get set up
To get you in the swing of things, you’ll get some time to practice recording your answers. Make the most of this so you’re ready for your final take
We know it might feel a little strange but try and treat the video interview like you would any interview. Dress comfortably, smile and keep focussed on the camera
And finally, we’re excited to get to know you. Be yourself. Always provide answers that best represent you and what you would do in each given situation.

If you are applying for a Lighting opportunity, at this stage you will complete a telephone interview instead of the digital assessment.

Assessment centre

For the final assessment stage, we’ll invite you to our digital assessment day. You’ll get the opportunity to impress us and get a feel for what it’s really like to work at Sky.

It’s normal to be nervous but we’re on hand to help you along the way. To prepare, do your research about Sky and come ready to demonstrate your skills and passion. Think about what’s motivated you to apply to work here. We’re keen to hear more about you.

The day could include an individual interview, group discussions or individual exercises. We’ll give you plenty of notice and let you know how best to prepare for these activities.

Once you’ve completed your assessment day, we’ll let you know when you can expect to hear back from us.

Any questions? Email us at earlycareers@sky.uk

Good luck!

Perks content

We’re all about content, so NOW is a given. You’ll also get life insurance, pension and access to Sky Benefits platform. This includes health and wellbeing benefits e.g. dental insurance/gym memberships/cycle plan/health screening, lifestyle e.g. retail vouchers/season ticket loan for travelling.

There’s a reason people can’t stop talking about #LifeAtSky. Our great range of benefits really are something special, here are our highlights: NOWTV, a generous pension, 25 days paid annual leave, discounted Mobile and broadband and private health care.

You’ll get access to over 12,000 LinkedIn Learning courses to support your development. And if that’s not enough, our campuses boast subsidised eateries, a cinema, gym, and much more.

Our award-winning Sky Studios Elstree campus features cutting-edge technology, screening rooms, landscaped gardens and is set to be the world’s most sustainable film and TV studio. It’s easy to get to Sky Studios Elstree. You can hop on a free electric shuttle bus to and from Elstree and Borehamwood station, or park your car or bike on-site. When you’re here, make sure you grab a coffee or lunch in our subsidised café and sit in their central plaza surrounded by blockbuster-making sound stages.

Training & development

You’ll pick up a lot during your placement, but we’ll also help you develop some important career skills with formal training sessions. These will include:

A central two-day induction
LinkedIn Learning
Technical training
Industry-leading skills sessions led by The Smarty Train
End of programme workshops
And much more.

You’ll work alongside talented colleagues and a buddy to help build your own skills and experience, and lay the foundations for an exciting career.

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Sky Osterley

We want to make Sky famous for exceptional content and a place where Europe’s top creatives want to do their best work. By 2024, viewers across Europe will be able to enjoy twice as much Sky original content as they do today, fully supported and backed by Comcast NBC Universal. Our Osterley campus is home to Sky Sports, Sky News and Sky Studios teams. We’re now looking for recent or soon to be college or sixth form leaver and graduates to help us seek out untold stories while working in creative partnership with today’s best writers, producers and on-screen talent – bringing viewers content they wouldn’t find anywhere else.

Sky Studios
Elstree

Film & TV is one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors. And since the opening of Sky Studios Elstree in 2022, we’re offering more opportunities than ever. With 13 studio stages, we need top, local talent to join us in a variety of sixth-form or college leaver and entry-level roles in everything from operations to client services.

Ignite

Launch a future behind the screens

The placements

Sky Osterley

“When you’re dealing with a live production, the days are planned out, but you never know what’s actually going to happen…”

“News changes quickly, so people need to adapt to the fast-changing news environment.”

“Every show has its own timeline as it’s going through preparation, shoot, post-production… they all have a different rhythm you’ll get to experience.”

Sky Studios Elstree

What we look for content

Support content

What to expect content

Preparation Hub

Application form

Digital assessment

Assessment centre

Perks content

Training & development

Sky Osterley

Sky Studios
Elstree

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