Tri-Service

Ex-Forces Offered Chance To Launch Media Careers

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond MP, has awarded the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) a grant of £1.8 million over three years to set up and run a Forces Media Academy. It'll offer digital and broadcast media skills to both service leavers and veterans.

The academy will be based at SSVC's headquarters at Chalfont St Peter in Buckinghamshire and offer 15 places a year starting in autumn 2017.

The course, to be taught by academic professionals, will lead to a level HNC qualification preparing candidates for roles in the UK's dynamic media and digital economy. All candidates will be offered work experience within SSVC, which runs a range of TV, digital, technology and radio services for British Forces and their families.

The Royal British Legion has already pledged significant financial support to the academy which will cover student living expenses while they are training. A number of other military charities have also pledged support for the project.

SSVC Chief Executive Simon Bucks said " This new service builds on our unique relationship with the British military community and will offer real opportunity to those wanting to develop a career in the media and communications industry following their service"

A spokesperson for the Royal British Legion added: "The Royal British Legion is proud to be supporting SSVC’s Forces Media Academy and will work with our corporate partners, encouraging them to sponsor veteran students and provide work based placements."

"The Academy is a unique project and the Legion will ensure that the 60,000 beneficiaries across our national network of staff, volunteers, media channels, corporate and charity partners are aware of the exciting opportunities it will undoubtedly bring to the Armed Forces community.”

SSVC, the not-for-profit organisation behind Forces TV, is one of a number of charities to benefit from grants funded from £102 million in LIBOR fines, levied against major banks who were involved in manipulating interbank lending rates.

For full details from the Treasury about LIBOR grants click here.