Media release: STV announces launch of training programme to promote inclusion in the creative industries

STV has launched a training programme designed to increase diversity and promote inclusion within STV, both on- and off-screen, and more broadly across the creative industries in Scotland.

The programme will be delivered in conjunction with three partner organisations: Inclusion Scotland, Equate Scotland and the Social Mobility Foundation.

This innovative programme has been developed as part of STV’s wider Open Access Charter setting out the company’s commitments to deliver its inclusion, equality and diversity strategy.

These commitments have been made to increase diversity and widen access to entrants to the creative industries.

The paid training opportunities will provide work experience and insight across a range of areas including digital product development, broadcast operations, commercial and STV News.

Over the next three months, training programmes targeted at candidates with disabilities; women pursuing careers in technology related roles and candidates from lower social economic backgrounds will be delivered.

This new programme follows the announcement in March of a significant multi-year investment to create the STV Bursary Scheme. Working in partnership with the Royal Television Society, STV will provide ten bursaries each year to students of Scottish universities and from lower income backgrounds. In addition to annual bursary funding for each year of their degree course, the scheme will provide a wider range of opportunities, including work placements and mentoring, to support access to the industry.

Suzanne Burns, HR director at STV, said: “This programme will extend the positive impact of STV’s inclusion strategy and enable future employees of our sector to enhance their skills and knowledge of our industry.”

Sally Witcher OBE, CEO of Inclusion Scotland, said: “Broadcast media can play a crucial role in promoting positive attitudes towards disabled people. Despite making up one fifth of the Scottish population, disabled people are hugely under-represented both on-screen in mainstream programming and behind the scenes.

“Working alongside disabled people every day as colleagues is often where attitudes really start to change for the better. That is why Inclusion Scotland is so delighted that STV has demonstrated its recognition of the creative value of a diverse workforce, of diverse perspectives and lived experiences, by offering a paid training opportunity to a disabled person.”

Talat Yaqoob, of Equate Scotland, said: “We are delighted to partner with STV on this initiative to bring more talented women into engineering and technology based roles in the creative industries. Women continue to be significantly under-represented in these areas and we need more employers to take action like this to tackle this inequality.

“Scotland needs more engineers and technologists to meet growing skills demands, but these needs will not be met if we do not create workplaces where women are encouraged to enter and are equally valued.”

Elaine Bryceland, of the Social Mobility Foundation, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our talented young people to find out more about STV and gain experience in the creative industries. Professional opportunities like this are often closed off to those without connections, so being able to access these environments and build a professional network from a young age is crucial and we are delighted to be involved.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact the STV press office:

Katie Martin

0141 300 3109

katie.martin@stv.tv

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Contact: Katie Martin

Email: katie.martin@stv.tv