Press

TG4 & Údarás na Gaeltachta launch Media Training Development Scheme

17.07.19

A TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta Media Training Development Scheme was launched by Richard Bruton TD, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment with Seán Kyne TD, Chief Whip and Minister of State for Gaeilge, the Gaeltacht and the Islands on July 12th in the Galmont Hotel, Galway during the Galway Film Fleadh.

The scheme is a partnership between TG4, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Independent Production Sector;  with training support from various media training bodies.  The aim of the scheme is to support independent production companies to develop the skills and talent of an emerging generation of Irish speaking talent to work in the sector.

Ten independent production companies are participating in the scheme, with each company mentoring a trainee for a period of one year. Trainees will receive practical experience and expertise in specific skills areas such as Editors, Directors, Researchers, Assistant Producers and Production Development Staff. The participating companies are spread the length and breadth of Ireland, from Dingle to Dublin and Galway to An Rinn. They specialise in various genres, from Young Peoples’ television to Sport, Factual to Music, Arts and Drama. The companies are Macalla, Midas, Aniar, Fíbín, Telegael, Nemeton, Red Shoe, Iris, Ros na Rún and Tua Films.

In addition to the practical experience with the production companies, training partners Screenskills Ireland, Gréasán na Meán and Galway Film Centre will support trainees with bespoke training courses, and a programme of industry workshops which will be accredited by Galway Mayo Institute of Technology,

Speaking at the launch, Minister Bruton said:  ‘As the national Irish language public service broadcaster, TG4 plays an important role in bringing Irish language t audiences in Ireland and throughout the world. The scheme shows great initiative and innovative thinking. The partnership between TG4 and Údarás na Gaeltachta recognises an opportunity and will have a major impact on the media sector.’

This training initiative supports TG4’s Strategy to grow and develop the independent production sector in the regions. TG4’s ambition is to act as a springboard for Irish language companies to grow their businesses, both in Ireland and internationally. Investing in new talent is a key part of this growth. An Upskilling Bursary is also in place, targeted at professionals already working in the industry, who wish to develop specific expertise, or for general career development.

This innovative and dynamic initiative also complements Údarás na Gaeltachta’s strategy of supporting the development of training programmes and education to increase the level of skills and employability in the Gaeltacht and will significantly enhance the stream of talent and new skills coming to the fore in the Irish language audiovisual and digital media spheres in 2019.