Over 70 apprentice spots in media production sector under new IMDA scheme

SINGAPORE – Workers in the media industry who are keen to strengthen their skills can tap over 70 apprenticeship openings across content production, business management and technical roles.

The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said it will link up with seven media companies, including production company mm2 Entertainment and creative studio Weave, to offer these opportunities, in a move meant to further deepen practical skills development and ensure talent here is industry-ready.

There were 24,960 media professionals employed across the economy in 2023, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 7 per cent since 2018, the government agency said in a statement on Dec 4.

Some of the companies have already started offering the apprenticeships while the rest will do so in the coming months.

The paid apprenticeships will last for 12 months for fresh entrants and mature professionals, and six months for mid-career joiners.

People interested to participate can apply for openings listed on IMDA’s website.

For instance, a media marketing executive at mm2 Entertainment who joins under this initiative can expect to earn $2,800 to $3,800 a month, according to a listing on MyCareersFuture.

IMDA also said the 70-plus places are just the start, with more company-led on-the-job training opportunities through apprenticeships to come.

The apprenticeships will incorporate new skills added in a refreshed skills framework for the media sector also released on Dec 4, including in the emerging segment of virtual production.

Virtual production involves using specialised screens, cameras, lighting rigs and virtual objects in concert to create dynamic and realistic visual effects captured on camera in real time, rather than creating them after filming.

Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, announced the initiatives on Dec 4 while kicking off the Asia TV Forum and Market, an event under the Singapore Media Festival running from Nov 28 to Dec 8.

He also provided updates on IMDA’s effort to promote virtual production in Singapore.

He said there have been 28 virtual production content projects, and 650 media professionals trained in the field through these projects and workshops, supported by a $30 million innovation fund announced in 2023.

Singapore boasts three full-scale virtual production studios that can support international projects – Aux Infinite Studios, Oceanus Media Global and X3D Studio – and they also provide training in the field.

“Next year, media professionals can look forward to specialised training opportunities for job roles such as virtual production supervisors from local and overseas virtual production experts,” IMDA said.

Overall, the refreshed skills framework identifies 195 job roles across 9 tracks and the 230 technical skills and competencies involved, including emerging ones such as those in generative artificial intelligence and virtual production.

“Media practitioners can use the skills framework to upskill and remain relevant in today’s media landscape, while employers and training providers can tap on it to structure learning and training opportunities,” said the agency.

The framework was first launched in 2018 jointly by IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore in consultation with Singapore’s media industry.