Hundreds of people have been able to turn on and tune in to the fast-paced world of broadcast media thanks to an exciting jobs course set up by a Birmingham-based TV station.

Bosses at BritAsia TV, the UK’s biggest TV station for South Asians, were determined to give something back to the local community by helping youngsters learn the skills needed for a career behind the camera.

BritAsia Academy, the training arm of BritAsia TV, teamed up with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to provide training bootcamps covering a wide range of studio roles such as content creation, photography, videography and editing.

The Digital Upskill Bootcamps, which are part funded by the WMCA, have so far seen more than 200 people given a taste of working in the television industry with around two thirds going into jobs, self-employment or an apprenticeship.

One of them, Atta Rehman, even landed a job working as the director’s assistant on Lucasfilm’s upcoming Star Wars TV show ‘The Acolyte’ after finishing the bootcamp.

“Without my experience at BritAsia and what it entailed for my resume the job might not have gone to me,” Atta said.

Atta Rehman landed a job on the upcoming Star Wars TV show ‘The Acolyte’ after completing the bootcamp

Another learner, Manpreet Aulakh, added: "I loved doing the bootcamp as the team were so supportive and helpful whenever I needed guidance. Checking in every other day to make sure I was okay made me more aware of the positive impact the bootcamp was having.

“I now want to continue adding to my skillset and progress further into my career choice.”

The innovative bootcamps have proved so successful that BritAsia Academy won the Innovative Delivery category at the recent  West Midlands’ Adult Learning Awards.

Bootcamp learners get the opportunity to experience live shoots, events and case studies from festivals, as well as BritAsia’s very own TV studio.

The bootcamp programme is created with a set of experts, mentors and team members who are industry leaders, including BAFTA winners, whose achievements include short film creation, and high production content for global events like the live coverage of the Queen’s funeral. Others have many years of entrepreneurial experience running digital studios and TV content creation projects.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and WMCA Chair, said: “Our creative sector is really on the rise. We’re already home to shows including Man Like Mobeen, The Gadget Show, Great British Menu and Small Axe.

“Combined with the exciting cluster developing in Digbeth - where Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is setting up new film studios, where MasterChef production is being relocated to and of course where the BBC is establishing its new Tea Factory base – it’s clear that this dynamic sector has the potential to provide local people with a remarkable variety of rewarding career options.

“However, to make the most of what is coming, we must ensure that local people have the skills they need to seize these opportunities. That’s why bootcamps like the ones being provided by BritAsia TV are so important.

“They can help facilitate access to an incredibly promising future career and transform the life chances of local people right across our region in the months and years ahead. I cannot wait to see what bootcamp participants go on to do.”

Andy Street (far left), Mayor of the West Midlands, with the BritAsia Academy team at the West Midlands' Adult Learners Awards

Gaurav Raturi, project head of BritAsia’s Digital Upskill Bootcamp, added: “Currently Birmingham is being referred to as the next film hub after London, but there has been a shortage of film and video talent. BritAsia is ensuring the Midlands creates the talent pool to cater to the demand of the industry.

"Our bootcamps offer a unique and hands on experience for learners. Around 95% of our learners get a job interview within 90 days of completing the programme. But this success would not be possible if we weren’t a major media company with our own in-house studio that can be made accessible to learners.

“We provide opportunities to work on high-end and fast-paced content creation, comparable to any brand in the industry. We believe education is a universal language and it should be given to everyone. It’s our way of giving something back to the community and to be able to pass on our knowledge to young learners means everything to us.”

The WMCA supported more than 65,000 people across the region through training and education courses in 2022 alone.

Courses are tailored to support the unemployed, those seeking a career change, as well as employed people looking to gain the skills required to secure more responsibility or a promotion with their current employer.

Cllr George Duggins, WMCA portfolio holder for productivity and skills and leader of Coventry City Council, added: “To increase the region’s productivity it is essential to have a skilled workforce.

“The various bootcamps being backed by the WMCA are giving people the skills, training and support they need to get a better job and a better quality of life but it also enables them to play their part in driving forward the regional economy. The funding we provide for these bootcamps is a great example of investing in opportunities for our people.”

To find out more about enrolling on a BritAsia Academy skills bootcamp go to https://www.instagram.com/batvacademy/ or logon to https://britasiaacademy.com/ or email at hr@britasiaacademy.com or drop us a message on 07507758923.

A video about the work of the bootcamp can be watched here