Over 500 professionals from the creative industries have received training via the University of Salford’s in-house training hub, The Pipeline.
The milestone comes as the Media City-based hub marks its five-year anniversary and is currently set to run its 20th course this summer.
Established in 2021 as a University-affiliated specialist training hub for the film, television and content creation sectors, The Pipeline has developed into one of the most credible training providers outside of London.
Delivering its courses for ScreenSkills and in-house, The Pipeline has become a specialist in expanding professionals’ skillsets in animation, post-production, camera kit care, celluloid film and AI production.
Its first course, an Animation Bootcamp, was run in October 2021 and its latest in the coming weeks is ‘Development to Delivery – AI in Unscripted Production.’
Christine Pyke, Creative Director of The Pipeline, said: “We are very proud to have reached the goal of training over 500 participants within our five years of operations.
“The Pipeline was set up in the midst of a global pandemic at a time when the industry was experiencing a great deal of flux and uncertainty.
“Despite this, the demand for specialist training, particularly from outside of London was clear for us to see, and our hard work and efforts over the last five years have shown us to be a proficient training provider that offers high quality courses, delivered by active professionals who are experts in their respective fields.”
“As we are affiliated with the University of Salford, all courses are underpinned with academic rigour which distinguishes our training from other providers giving us a competitive edge.”
Sam Ingleson, Associate Dean, Knowledge Exchange at the University’s School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology, said: “When we set up The Pipeline, I was keen to diversify the University of Salford’s portfolio by offering industry-facing training and playing an active role in addressing the skills gaps within the creative industries. I am delighted with the successes we’ve had over the past five years and building on this to offer further inclusive and accessing training moving forward.”
The courses have been taught across the UK Nations and Regions with 80% of participants being based outside of London, 62% being female and 38% from lower socio-economic backgrounds.
Christine added: “We’re passionate about making sure that our courses appeal to all. Diversity and inclusivity are important to us and whilst these figures are positive, it’s definitely something we want to build on.”
The Pipeline courses are participant-led, and the team put a great deal of time into securing feedback to ensure that the courses are capturing the needs of the industry as well as reaching those from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Building on its success, the training hub is now looking to foster further collaboration with businesses across the Northwest to sponsor placements within high-end drama production, postproduction, and studio facilities targeting those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to offer them a first foot in the door.
A further positive outcome has seen some of the courses being delivered by University alumni with 2006 graduate Katy Kardasz and Leo Green (2022) supporting the recent 10-venue Camera Kit Care course through a collaboration with Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV and 2010 graduate and PhD researcher Stephanie Chlond supporting the upcoming Development to Delivery in AI ScreenSkills course in July.
Erin MacTague, Head of Operations at Timeline, said: “This vibrant and trusted training hub not only introduced us to new talent but also strengthened the emerging talent we had within the business. The schemes they run are delivered with the industry gaps and needs in mind, helping expand the experiences that people were able to get to take those first steps into the industry or take the next rung on the ladder.”
Duncan Howsley, Head of Video at Doodledo Studio, said: “We’ve had the pleasure of working with two edit assistant interns from The Pipeline and both have been exceptional. The training, professionalism, and enthusiasm they brought into the team was clear from day one. One of those interns has since become a full-time member of our team and has now been with us for more than two years, which speaks volumes about the quality of talent coming through the programme.
“Creating meaningful opportunities into the industry is incredibly important and training providers like The Pipeline play a huge role in making that happen. It’s been brilliant to see a scheme that not only opens doors for people, but genuinely prepares them to thrive once they’re in the industry.”
