Free TV Production Course Opens in West Midlands for 2026
Shine TV offers a seven-week, no-cost training program for adults in the West Midlands, with a potential path to a MasterChef role after completion.
Television hopefuls in the West Midlands can apply for a free seven-week training program run by Shine TV, the team behind MasterChef and Hunted. The course, launching in early 2026, is designed to help locals build the skills needed to work behind the camera in television production.
Shine TV’s Ben Ibbot said the aim is to identify people who are currently in other careers but dream of entering the TV industry. "The opportunity to offer this kind of local training is incredibly exciting," he noted.
Geared toward adults, the program covers the basics of casting and production for large television shows. Classes will be scheduled for weekday evenings and weekends, and successful participants will be in the running for a job on MasterChef after completing the course.
At the end of the program, those who finish will be invited to an interview to join the next series of MasterChef.
"No prior TV experience is required; we’re seeking people with transferable skills," Mr Ibbot said. "Someone working in journalism, hospitality, or another people-focused role—like a hairdresser who loves meeting new clients—could be a great fit. We want to open doors as wide as possible."
MasterChef began filming in Birmingham in 2024, marking the show's first move outside London in more than two decades. The production took place at the Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham.
The application deadline is 4 January 2026. Interested applicants should apply online via the official course page on Shine TV’s site.
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Expert comment: Local talent pipelines are increasingly seen as vital to diversifying TV crews and strengthening regional production ecosystems. This program reflects a broader industry shift toward investing in community-based training.
Summary: The West Midlands launches a free, seven-week training program to prepare adults for behind-the-camera roles in television, with a potential MasterChef opportunity after completion. It underscores Birmingham’s growing role as a TV production hub and Shine TV’s commitment to local talent. The deadline is 4 January 2026, so applicants should apply online soon.
Key insight: A free, locally run TV training course can open real doors for adults with transferable skills, offering a path into television and a chance to work on a major show. Source: BBC News
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