Sunset+Vine to create a ‘a skilled, diverse and inspired workforce’ with Commonwealth Games training initiative

In addition to this real-world experience, trainees will benefit from industry-level skills training across a variety of disciplines, including live TV, broadcasting and production. These placements will culminate in the opportunity to work within the Host Broadcast team in a professional (paid) capacity at the Commonwealth Games, which take place from 28 July-8 August.  

Games-time roles will include content creators, production co-ordinators, media managers, camera operators, edit assistants, loggers, live gallery PAs, assistant floor managers and technical roles with S+Vs outside broadcast suppliers. 

In keeping with the producer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the HBTI aims to train participants in current industry skills gaps, specifically targeting under-represented groups. Its mission is to leave a legacy of a skilled, diverse and inspired workforce to fuel the next generation of TV industry professionals in the Midlands. 

David Tippett, Sunset+Vine Managing Director, commented: “The lack of diversity in sports broadcasting is an ongoing issue and this scheme is one way we are looking to play our part in addressing that. We are committed to offering real-world industry experience and practical-based training opportunities to under-represented groups in the Midlands. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the skills needed to kick-start an exhilarating career in sports broadcasting – and what a way to start… On one of the biggest sporting events to be hosted at the heart of Birmingham.” 

Nicola Turner MBE, Head of Legacy, added: “The opportunity to learn about cutting-edge broadcasting from global experts and a chance to work on a Commonwealth Games – these are once in a lifetime possibilities. And it’s brilliant that Sunset+Vine is making this uniquely available to people with a West Midlands address, it means we can point to definite local benefit from hosting the Games. Across the whole Games, more than 35,000 people will be part of the event workforce or volunteers and we’ll be recruiting right up to July, so there will be thousands of individual legacies blossoming beyond the summer as each of those people go on to use their experiences and new skills into the future.”   

Sunset+Vine will also continue to mentor trainees post Games, building on the invaluable experience they will have gained as a part of the HBTI which they will be able to take forward and help to launch their careers in the industry.