The Production Guild has launched a new training scheme for professionals interested in becoming assistant production accountants on feature films and high-end TV drama. The Guild’s Assistant Production Accounting Training Scheme (APATS) will provide training for 13 individuals and include a placement on productions over the course of ten months.

Supported by Creative Skillset’s Skills Investment Fund, the training programme will also offer a tax free allowance of £300 a week and a travel allowance during the placement.

Alison Small, chief executive of the Production Guild said: “There are real employment opportunities for film and television accountancy and financial professionals who play a vital part in the UK’s ability to deliver world-class film and television productions. Working with Creative Skillset to provide the kind of training that is needed to work in film and TV production is a core part of the Guild’s work.”

Andrew Noakes, financial controller of Bond films such as Skyfall and Casino Royale gave his seal of approval: “The APATS scheme is a very valuable tool for financial controllers. I know that anybody coming out of the scheme has been fully trained and has the specific knowledge and skills in accountancy to work in film production.”

The recruitment process is set to take place from January 2014 and will formally commence in March for those selected. The closing date for applications is 10 January 2014.

Interesting in applying? Then visit the Production Guild website to download an information pack or you can email pg@productionguild.com