Creative Skillset”s Series Producer programme is now open for applications, supported by the BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 through Creative Skillset”s TV Skills Fund.

The scheme is designed to kickstart, nurture and develop aspiring series producers (SP); last year”s scheme saw over 50% of participants from across the UK gain their first SP credits, with 19 receiving bespoke training to address their individual needs.

It is also aimed at filling the skills gap – recent research showed there was a nationwide shortage of series producers.

The specialist programme, which runs for one year and includes two weeks of specialist masterclasses, is now open for applications for 2017, with 20 places available. The focus is very much on non-scripted genres such as factual and entertainment.

Some of last year”s participants went on to gain series producer credits on high-profile shows such as 24 Hours in A&E, 50 Ways to Kill Your Mammies and Britain”s Benefit Tenants.

Harjeet Chhokar was part of the 2016 programme and had this to say: “Television can be a very insular industry, where you go from job to job and actually you don”t get time to take stock of where you want to be. The course has given me confidence to develop my career and move up to the role of series producer.

“Having access to some of the leading figures of the industry and hearing what they look for in series producers as well as their own experience, has been very worthwhile.”

The programme is open to new or aspiring series producers throughout the UK with a minimum of three years’ experience as a producer with applications encouraged from under-represented groups – particularly those from black, Asian or minority backgrounds, or those with a disability.

To find out more click here. The deadline for submissions is 9 January 2017.