About this apprenticeship
What it involves
A junior grip works on film, television, and commercial productions to set up, operate, and move camera support equipment including dollies, cranes, and tracks. This level 2 apprenticeship introduces the technical and physical skills needed on a professional set under the supervision of a key grip. It is a direct entry into the UK screen industry, with a clear progression path to key grip.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Types of grip equipment and how each is used safely on set
Health and safety regulations specific to film and TV production
How to lay dolly track and level it on different surfaces
Camera movement principles and how grip supports the director of photography
Load management and manual handling techniques for heavy equipment
Production terminology and set etiquette
How to work as part of a grip and camera department team
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Unload, check, and prepare grip equipment at the start of each shoot day
Lay and level dolly track to the camera department's specification
Push and steer camera dollies smoothly during live takes
Rig and operate camera cranes and remote heads under supervision
Strike and pack equipment efficiently at the end of a shoot day
Follow all on-set health and safety instructions at all times
Assist the key grip with rigging camera mounts to vehicles or structures
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 2 (Intermediate) - roughly GCSE level. Often open with few or no formal qualifications - a strong first step. Some employers ask for a couple of GCSEs.
What’s next: Typically leads on to a Level 3 (Advanced) apprenticeship.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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