ScreenSkills High-end TV (HETV) and Film Skills Funds are delighted to partner with Northern Ireland Screen to co-fund Grip training through the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Competence for Grips.
This support has been commissioned in response to industry feedback highlighting the growing need for more qualified grips working across high-end television and film productions in the region.
This funding initiative will support up to six Northern Ireland based grips to complete the Level 2 qualification. The qualification costs £6,000, with funding support of up to £4,500 available through the scheme for successful candidates, helping to strengthen skills, knowledge, and experience within the local crew base and better meet industry demand.
The opportunity is open to experienced grips who are resident in Northern Ireland and are keen to progress their professional development through a recognised industry qualification. Applicants must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience and meet the qualification’s reference requirements.
Louise Gallagher, Chair of ScreenSkills Northern Ireland HETV Working Group said: “The ScreenSkills HETV Northern Ireland Working Group is made up of industry professionals on the ground in Northern Ireland, so we know the training that's most needed here. The group agreed we need to support more of our experienced grips in Northern Ireland to go through the qualification process and we're delighted to partner with Northern Ireland Screen to make this happen.”
Clare Campbell, Skills Manager at Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Northern Ireland has a strong and growing production sector, and it’s vital that we continue to invest in the skills base that underpins it. Grips are a key part of any high-end TV and film production, and Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to partner with ScreenSkills to support local practitioners in gaining recognised accreditation, ensuring the region continues to offer highly skilled crews to both incoming and indigenous productions.”
HOW TO APPLY?
There are two separate applications, and both are required.
Step 1: Apply for the qualification
Apply directly to Buckinghamshire College Group for a place on the Level 2 Diploma in Professional Competence for Grips by contacting Martin Horsted at
mhorsted@buckscollegegroup.ac.uk
Applications for the qualification must be made directly to Buckinghamshire College Group and cannot be made via ScreenSkills or Northern Ireland Screen.
To be eligible to apply for the qualification, grips must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience on the job and be able to provide 5 written references in total; ideally all from Level 3 qualified and certified advanced grips who they worked with, but refences might also be accepted from a Camera Operator or Director of Photography at the discretion of the internal verifier when interviewed.
Deadline: Applications must be submitted by Friday 13 February 2026.
Step 2: Apply for funding
If you are successful at application and interview stage, you will be accepted onto the qualification and sent a link to register for the qualification funding via ScreenSkills.
Deadline: To access funding support, this registration must be completed by 27 March 2026.
Step 3: Apply for bursary support (optional)
Candidates may also apply to Northern Ireland Screen for a bursary to support travel and accommodation costs related to completing the qualification.