New traineeship programme announced

Wildscreen has announced the launch of a new Environmental Storytellers Programme, a one-year employability initiative designed to support UK-based young people aged 18–30 from underrepresented backgrounds into careers within the wildlife film, conservation, and environmental communications sectors.

Supported by the John Lewis Partnership Foundation Employability Fund, the programme will provide 10 young people with traineeships, paid at the Real Living Wage, offering aspiring environmental storytellers the skills, confidence and connections to take their first steps into the natural world storytelling sector.

From April 2026, trainees will be hosted by a range of environmental organisations and film and TV production companies, gaining practical workplace experience spanning roles such as research, production, editing and digital content creation. Alongside hands-on placements, participants will benefit from tailored one-to-one mentorship,  professional development and training opportunities, helping to build clear and inclusive career pathways. They will also benefit from a pass to the Wildscreen Festival 2026.

Despite the UK being recognised as a global hub for wildlife filmmaking, significant financial and structural barriers remain for many young people, preventing them from accessing careers in the sector. This programme aims to address that imbalance, unlocking opportunities for new voices and perspectives in environmental storytelling.

The initiative builds on Wildscreen’s established experience delivering inclusive training schemes and complements the Foundation’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities in the environmental and sustainability sectors.

Applications and next steps

Traineeships through the Environmental Storytellers Programme will run from April 2026 to December 2026.

Young people interested in applying to the scheme can register their interest here.