Trainee Camera Operator in Manchester

The Role

Trainee Camera Operator

ITV Granada

Permanent

Office location: Manchester

Hiring range: £29,034 - £34,687

The role

We are looking for an enthusiastic Trainee Camera Operator to provide content using a range of cameras, sound, editing and lighting equipment for our award winning news service based at ITV News Granada Reports.

Camera Operators provide first class shooting and sound skills for our frontline news gathering requirements, covering all aspects of our on-screen and online output. They create content to a high standard, appreciating the editorial context of the stories we gather.

An essential part of the role is to work closely with the editorial team to ensure our online stories are up to date and relevant, offering ideas to assist in the creation of a highly polished product.

Camera Operators must be willing to cover breaking news outside of normal rostered hours, including evening and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• To shoot, plan, choreograph, collate, edit high quality footage/packages for all aspects of our output using a variety of production tools.
• To shoot & choreograph live segments of our programmes using LiveU, our News Production Vehicle (NPV), or other newsgathering technology.
• We would expect you to demonstrate your talent by being able to shoot using editorial, technical and visually creative judgement. This role will require you to shoot all the vital elements to successfully produce an edit that complements great storytelling whether for online or television audiences.
• To maximise the quality of on-screen and online output by developing and building a strong knowledge base of the region, its locations, live locations.
• Keep up to date with technology for shooting and sending to ensure we can offer the best quality content.
• To understand the requirement for flexibility in order to cover breaking news stories. This can involve working outside of normal rostered hours where required, including being prepared to attend on location in the event of a major story at any time
• To make full use of Wolftech (our planning/diary software) for story briefs and assignments and then maintain proactive contact with the news desk throughout the day in order to maximise communication
• If required, be willing to ask questions at the scene of a breaking news story or conduct interviews, following a briefing with a member of the editorial team.
• To provide front line technical support on camerawork and editing for the editorial team, flagging up technical issues and working closely with colleagues to resolve any technical problems as they occur.
• To operate and perform first line maintenance on location for live and file based contribution as necessary.
• To operate a camera in our news studio as required.
• Where capable to do so, to provide support within the Production Specialist pool as required.
• To have a passion for journalism and an interest in news and current affairs
• To act as an ambassador for the company when out on location or dealing with members of the public
• To be proactive about diversity, equity & inclusion ensuring the output reflects news stories and issues across the audience spectrum
• To edit material and packages in a confident, creative and efficient manner, making full use of all production tools in order to make the most interesting item possible
• To help curate ITV\'s digital offering on the website or ITVX as required
• To meet all online and on-air deadlines throughout the day, reacting quickly to breaking stories, and regularly liaising with the news desk
• To undertake project work and contribute to network news output as required
• To provide guidance to colleagues with less experience, maintaining professional standards and adhering to ITV\'s Legal & Compliance, ITV Trust and OFCOM guidelines
• To be proactive in encouraging interaction with the audience
• To promote and sustain a multi-skilled approach to news journalism and production.

Skills you\'ll need (minimum criteria)

In addition we are looking for:

• Experience as a camera operator demonstrating any work you have done relating to news, documentary or similar
• Excellent technical skills encompassing camera skills, sound, lighting and editing and the ability to quickly embrace new technology & workflows.
• Working knowledge of Ofcom code, media law and compliance
• A demonstrable passion for video news production, particularly in a creative and operational capacity.
• An excellent communicator who is quick thinking and calm under

pressure, able to digest and react to information efficiently.

• A full UK driving licence in order to drive newsgathering vehicles.

We will need to see a showreel of your work - Your showreel will be assessed as part of the interview process

Other things we\'re looking for (key criteria)

• The willingness to work flexibly, to be able to react to the demands of newsgathering.
• The ability to shoot and edit a polished news item and deliver it to base using the appropriate technologies and to keep up to date with new techniques to facilitate this.
• Excellent communication and listening skills; Camera Operators should be friendly and approachable both towards the newsroom and when on location with journalists, contributors and members of the public.
• Willingness and ability to use the full range of newsroom technology (following appropriate training).
• A strong knowledge of the patch, its cultural heritage and an awareness of the types of stories that engage our audiences. An understanding of the importance of Diversity and Inclusion in determining output.
• Commitment to working as part of a successful team, sharing the responsibility for supporting programme production and our digital platforms.
• The ability to work to deadlines is crucial. Camera Operators will have an organised approach with effective logistical skills. The ability to plan well, work efficiently and keep calm and focussed under pressure is essential.
• The ability to use initiative, be self-motivated and quick-thinking with strong and decisive decision making skills
• The ability to remain calm and resilient in what is often a busy work environment
• The willingness and aptitude to learn new skills and to be happy to share skills with others for the benefit of the whole team.
• Excellent attention to detail
• Clear understanding of and commitment to DE&I and Health & Safety policies

At the final shortlist interview stage there will be a practical test to understand how you will react when operating in a pressurised environment providing the necessary material to produce an edited package . This is a fundamental requirement of the final stage of our candidate selection.

The rostered hours for this role will include weekend, early and late working. Operators need to be willing to offer flexibility to cover breaking news outside of normal rostered hours, including evening and weekends.

Some individuals may be required to travel to district offices or to work in other ITV News regions as well as attending relevant forums, development sessions and meetings off site as part of their role.

You must be in possession of a full UK driving licence in order to drive ITV newsgathering vehicles.

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is at the heart of what we do at ITV Granada and we want to ensure we reflect our audience both on screen and in our workforce. ITV is for Everyone and we encourage applications from Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent people and People of Colour to apply for this role.

Newsrooms are busy and pressurised environments, involving live news production, which often requires colleagues to make quick decisions under pressure. We also need people who are able to use their initiative.

We will always consider any request for reasonable adjustments as part of the interview process, for example sharing key themes when that is requested in connection with a neurodivergent condition, whilst still ensuring that we are able to test a candidate\'s ability to operate in the specific environment of a newsroom.

We\'re happy to discuss any support/personalisation you may need during our application and selection process as part of our reasonable adjustments. Drop us a line if you require anything at talkingcareers@itv.com.

Closing date: Sunday 14th September 2025

Please note the notice period for this role is 2 months (this will include any new contracts/ secondments)

Please note, this role will be subject to a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)