When I first started out in TV in the 80s, there was very little in the way of structured training beyond the BBC, writes Joe Godwin.
And even now, new entrants often bemoan this lack of training within our industry. In research we carried out two years ago, 72% of those working in the TV industry for two years or less had only received fairly ad hoc "on the job" training.
Fast Track, the talent arm of the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, is thus bridging a very important gap when every year it gives 40 talented TV hotshots two days of intimate master classes in Edinburgh, from luminaries including Russell T Davies, Robert Thirkell and Danny Cohen. Delegates also benefit from unique networking opportunities with peers and top TV executives, entry to the TV Festival and accommodation - all for free.
All Fast Trackers gain the chance to pitch for a commission, with previous delegates making programmes for Channel 4 and ITV2. There are also heavily subsidised post event training courses in areas including directing, pitching, editing and career development, enabling delegates to broaden their skills or explore different areas of the industry. And it really does work - our alumni, which includes Matt Tombs from Paramount, Tiger Aspect's Andrew Zein, North One's Katy Thorogood and Life on Mars producer Cameron Roach, are testament to the scheme's success in helping delegates to fast track their careers.
When I meet past delegates, they always say that the supportive network of industry peers that they build through the scheme is particularly valuable - and more often than not they claim that it is through the scheme that they have built the contacts and/ or confidence to get their next job.
This year for the first time, we are not only taking personal applications from anyone with two to four years experience in the industry, but we are also accepting nominations from others who wish to put forward talented individuals.
This is a great opportunity for organisations to really shout about their brightest and best people, and to give them the training and development opportunities that can only result in a stronger and more motivated workforce.
The closing date for entries is Wednesday 25 June via the MGEITF website.
Joe Godwin is CBBC head of entertainment and chair of the MGEITF Fast Track committee
