The National Film and Television School (NFTS), working with Prime Video Pathway, will expand its free training offer for television freelancers across the UK in 2026, with a mix of online and in-person opportunities.
The initiative aims to reach a broad spread of regions, roles and genres, helping freelancers strengthen portfolios and build sustainable digital careers during a challenging period for the sector.
The ReSkill and UpSkill pilot was informed by more than 800 survey responses from freelancers nationwide. Interest was particularly strong among seasoned professionals, with 57% of respondents having over 11 years’ experience in television — highlighting demand for professional development. Respondents identified significant interest in areas such as generative AI, podcasting and wider digital skills.
Delivered from mid-October to November 2025, the five-week virtual pilot provided 463 free places on one-day short courses. Free, face-to-face training was also offered to those most in need in Cardiff, London, Leeds and Glasgow. The in-person strand targeted TV freelancers with at least three years’ experience who had been out of work for four months or more in the past year. Building on this, ReSkill and UpSkill will return in 2026 with additional free, in-person programmes for those most affected.
Applications for the in-person training are now open until Sunday 25 January. Each location will accept up to 15 participants, who will receive support to develop a personalised plan, nine days of in-person training covering podcasting, digital storytelling and AI, the option of up to three hours of one-to-one coaching, and continued tailored guidance.
An expanded schedule of virtual day courses and webinars will run from Monday 19 January to Friday 27 February 2026. Alongside generative AI, podcasting and digital skills, new sessions will include an introduction to self-shooting and directing. To meet high demand, the 2026 offer will add two-day sessions in generative AI, podcasting and digital skills, extra Saturday options, waitlists for fully booked courses, and 14 webinars across six weeks.
Virtual programme ticket booking dates are as follows: Week One sessions go live on Thursday 8 January at 10:00; Week Two on Tuesday 13 January at 20:00; Week Three on Tuesday 20 January at 14:00; Week Four on Thursday 29 January at 10:00; Week Five on Tuesday 3 February at 20:00; and Week Six on Thursday 12 February at 14:00.
The expanded 2026 programme reflects a shared commitment to accessible, industry-leading training that equips UK television freelancers with up-to-date skills for an evolving media landscape.
nfts.co.uk/tv-freelancers-reskill-upskill-programme
