Get into documentary-making with Grierson DocLab in London

UK-based people aged 18-25 have until 5pm on Thursday 20 February 2025 to apply for this prestigious training programme. Grierson DocLab: New Entrants aims to help people without connections to the factual TV and documentary industry take their first steps into securing the work experience and networks to succeed in the sector. Grierson DocLab has an established track record of supporting those from under-represented backgrounds in the screen industries. For our 2025 edition, we have an active focus on applications from those from a lower socio-economic/working class background, alongside other groups.

Grierson DocLab: New Entrants is a training programme that helps UK-based new entrants aged 18-25 thrive in the world of factual TV and documentary filmmaking. It has been running since 2012 and coupled with our specialist training programmes supported by Netflix and Prime Video Pathway, has seen over 200 trainees go through the programme. The initiative takes place over approximately one year and aims to equip up to 12 successful trainees with the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections to pursue a career in the UK factual TV industry.

What successful applicants will receive:

• An intensive hybrid training programme, supported by industry professionals
• A bursary-supported work placement at a production company, at least four weeks in length
• Full registration for Sheffield DocFest, with all associated costs to attend covered
• Mentoring from an industry professional
• Matched with a Grierson DocLab Alumni buddy
• Networking opportunities
• A ticket to the Grierson Awards ceremony, held on 18 November 2025
• Access to, and membership of the Grierson DocLab Alumni network
• Bespoke, ongoing support to help career progression within the sector

The hybrid training programme will include:

• An outline of the variety of routes into the industry including editorial and production management roles
• An overview of different documentary and factual genres, their grammar and conventions
• How to find and develop ideas
• An overview to how broadcast commissioning works
• How production works, along with how production management works with editorial departments
• Practical exercises to hone pitching and teamworking skills
• Talks from guest industry speakers as well as Grierson DocLab Alumni about how their careers have progressed since being on the programme

Cost: All expenses associated with participating will be covered by the Grierson Trust, including travel, accommodation and food, and it is free to apply. All placements will be supported via bursaries to help with living costs.

Who Should Apply? Grierson DocLab seeks young people aged 18-25 who are passionate about factual television, from nature documentaries to reality TV; short-form content to feature docs and everything in between. We are looking for applicants who have ideas about how they can contribute to the industry, and who can offer fresh perspectives that are not currently reflected on-screen or behind the scenes.

In addition to the creative team roles (editorial), we welcome applications from candidates who are strong communicators, who have excellent collaborative skills and are brilliant organisers who can multi-task; all key skills to work in factual production management. If you don’t know the difference between editorial and production, get up to speed with ScreenSkills’ careers map, or further useful information can be found on the Royal Television Society website.

The programme is open to any UK resident aged 18-25 and aims to help new entrants become job-ready, and able to take up opportunities in the factual programme-making industry. Applicants may be in full-time education at the time of applying but must be in their final year of studies to be eligible. Candidates will not be eligible if they have undertaken an industry placement, or work experience in documentary or factual TV that lasted more than three months. Nor will they be able to take part in another simultaneous training programme at the time of being offered a place on Grierson DocLab, if successful.

Grierson DocLab: New Entrants is aimed at helping those without connections get their first foothold on the factual TV and documentary industry career ladder.

Diversity, Inclusion and Access: The Trust has an established track record of supporting under-represented groups in the factual TV industry. We are actively encouraging applications from individuals from lower socio-economic/working class backgrounds, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, those from the LGBTQ+ community and candidates from geographical areas across the UK that do not have many opportunities in the screen industries to apply. This is not a definitive list and those applying will have the opportunity to make their case as to how they meet these criteria. This is in line with the positive action provision of the Equality Act 2010.

In return, this industry supported training initiative will give successful applicants the knowledge, tools and networks to take that first step towards a rewarding career in factual programme-making.

Applications close: Applications will close at 5pm on Thursday 20 February 2025. Read more and apply at: griersontrust.org/grierson-doclab/new-entrants-2025/ You can find Large Text and Easy Read versions of our guidelines and FAQs on our website.