2025-26 Former USBF Trainee Stepping Up Salary Support Scheme
The Northern Ireland Screen Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund (USBF) has been supporting Production Trainees since 2017 as part of its remit to grow the Northern Ireland Ulster-Scots production sector.
In order to help recent former USBF Production Trainees develop their career within the sector, the USBF is launching a Stepping Up Salary Support Scheme for local independent production companies.
Running from April 2025 to March 2026, the Scheme will cover the following salary support for a recent USBF Trainee(s):
- 50% of salary or £1000 per month (whichever is less) stepped up to Researcher
- 50% of salary or £1500 per month (whichever is less) stepped up to Assistant Producer or Assistant Director
- 50% of salary or £1750 per month (whichever is less) stepped up to Producer or Director
Eligible USBF Production Trainees must have completed the USBF Production Trainee scheme between 2022 and 2025. They need to be stepped up by a local production company to a position higher than their most recent TV credit.
The successful candidate must be contracted to work on a USBF-funded production, therefore only companies in receipt of 2025-26 USBF funding can apply. Former USBF Trainees will be employees of the production company, and not Northern Ireland Screen. Contracts should be for a minimum of six months and run within the April 2025-March 2026 12-month window.
To discuss this opportunity and apply for the USBF Stepping Up Salary Support Scheme, please contact Heidi McAlpin on [email protected]. The closing date for applications is Friday 14th March 2025.
The final decision is at the discretion of the USBF and working within USBF budgetary constraints.
