I am 26, am I too old to apply?

• Yes, you have to be between the ages of 18-25 to apply for the New Entrants programme.

Approximately how long does it take to complete the application?

• It will depend on each person how long it takes to complete the application questions. You can read the four main questions in our guidelines document, and see the online application form for the information and monitoring questions too. We recommend starting early, giving yourself lots of time, saving your answers offline and asking someone to proofread them for you.

How long is the residential?

• The residential lasts for four days. You can see the full schedule on our Grierson DocLab: New Entrants page.

For the placement, do you have a choice on where you complete it?

• The placement matching process is dependent on trainee availability, location and areas of interest, as well as which production companies have signed up to support a trainee for 2026. The Director of Training Programmes will work closely with selected applicants to match them with the most suitable placement. Most placement production companies are in London, with some in Bristol, Manchester, or Leeds too.

Are the majority of jobs in this industry in London?

• Many jobs are London based in the documentary industry, yes, but there are also jobs in Manchester, Bristol (especially for Natural History), Leeds and in Glasgow or Edinburgh too. There are other locations with factual jobs, but these are the main hubs.

I've been a recipient of other schemes (while as university), will this make me exempt from this scheme or put me at as disadvantage to others?

• This will not make you ineligible for the programme, but if you have received significant support compared to others whose applications score the same as yours, others who will benefit from the training may be selected.

How much opportunity is there for camera training or on-set work?

• The training programme does not offer in-depth camera training, and each placement is different and will depend on the production company and their projects as to whether on-set camera experience will be offered. Many placements offer office-based research or production experience rather than camera assistant work.

I'm a resident in England on my first Spouse visa, which does grant me the right to work but is a temporary visa that will run out in 2028, after which I will reapply but of course approval isn't guaranteed. Does a temporary visa meet the requirements to be able to apply?

• In this instance, yes you will be able to apply.

Who can I contact if I have specific questions about the application process or access needs?

• You can email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1462 630310