AN initiative – Beyond Brontes – aimed at promoting diversity in the film and TV industries is recruiting again after a hugely successful debut.

The first cohort of students has just completed the initial Screen Yorkshire skills programme, with positive feedback.

Beyond Brontes provides free, part-time training to prepare young people for a wide range of industry roles – from make-up and set design to accountancy, editing and research.

The scheme is designed to help people aged 18 to 24 from different backgrounds to overcome obstacles which may have prevented them from entering the screen industries.

Bradford Council is working in partnership with Screen Yorkshire to deliver the programme, with support from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership.

Councillor Imran Khan, Bradford Council’s deputy leader and the portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “Beyond Brontes offers opportunities for young people to use their creative skills to encourage a much-needed cultural shift across the sector.

“By engaging employers to recognise the important role they can play in shaping and informing the careers advice, they will ultimately be helping to adopt more-inclusive recruitment practices.

“The Beyond Brontes programme has been a great success in year one and I am pleased that it will continue to provide opportunities for young people to pursue a career in the screen sector. Creativity thrives through diversity and it is the responsibility of all of us working together to ensure that young people today are inspired to become the next generation of creative talent.”

Roger Marsh, chairman of the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership, said: “The success of the first cohort of Beyond Brontes is a testament to all those involved.”

The six-month programme is open to 18-to-24-year-olds across the Leeds City Region, which includes Keighley.

Training modules include industry masterclasses, CV and interview workshops, mentorship and one-to-one support. The scheme has the backing of leading figures in film and TV regionally.

For further information and to apply, visit screenyorkshire.co.uk.

The deadline for applications is August 14.