Prime Video Pathway, in collaboration with the National Film and Television School (NFTS), is rolling out an expanded suite of free online and in-person training opportunities for television freelancers nationwide in 2026.
The initiative will offer support across the regions, roles, departments, and genres, reinforcing a commitment to support freelancers build a portfolio and digital career in increasingly challenging times.
The five-week ReSkill and Upskill virtual pilot delivered from mid-October to November 2025, provided 463 free training places on one day short courses.In addition, free, face-to-face training was delivered to freelancers identified as being most in need, with sessions held in Cardiff, London, Leeds and Glasgow. This in-person programme was designed for TV freelancers with more than three years of industry experience who had faced a period of four months or more without work in the past year.
Building on this momentum, ReSkill and UpSkill will return in 2026 with more free, face-to-face training programmes designed specifically for freelancers most in need.
The pilot was shaped by feedback from 800+ survey responses submitted by freelancers across the UK. Engagement was particularly strong among experienced industry professionals, with 57% of respondents working in television for more than 11 years – a signal of the demand for professional development during such a demanding time for all freelancers. Survey findings highlighted a significant appetite for training in emerging and high-growth areas, including generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills.
Applications for the in-person training are now open until Sunday 25th January.
Across each location, a maximum 15 successful participants will receive:
Support to create a personalised development plan
Nine days of in-person training covering podcasting, digital storytelling and AI
The option to access three hours of one-to-one coaching
Ongoing guidance and tailored support
In addition, an expanded programme of virtual day courses and webinars will also run from Monday 19 January to Friday 27 February 2026, offering even more training across generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills as well as introducing new sessions, including an introduction to self-shooting and directing.
To meet the exceptionally high demand, the 2026 schedule will include:
Two-day sessions in generative AI, podcasting, and digital skills
Additional Saturday sessions
Waitlists for fully booked courses
14 webinars across the six-week delivery period
Tickets for the virtual programme will be available via Eventbrite, with booking opening on the following dates and times:
Booking for Week One sessions will go live on Thursday 8 January at 10:00
Booking for Week Two sessions will go live on Tuesday 13 January at 20:00
Booking for Week Three sessions will go live on Tuesday 20 January at 14:00
Booking for Week Four sessions will go live on Thursday 29 January at 10:00
Booking for Week Five sessions will go live on Tuesday 3 February at 20:00
Booking for Week Six sessions will go live on Thursday 12 February at 14:00
Learn more: https://nfts.co.uk/tv-freelancers-reskill-upskill-programme
Pippa Considine
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