Pinewood studios has launched an apprenticeship scheme designed to give young people a start in the UK film industry. (February 2).

The studios has selected 10 apprentices from local colleges to join 12 others already working at the Pinewood Studios Group on a separate scheme run by training body Skillset, now in its second year.

Apprentices will be given the chance to work on the sets of Pinewood productions including the latest Harry Potter and the forthcoming John Carter Of Mars.

The posts contribute towards the UK government’s aim to offer 5,000 apprenticeships in the creative industries a year by 2013.

Outgoing film minister Siôn Simon, who is leaving his post later this week following the expenses scandal, was at the studios to launch the scheme.  “The film industry can be incredibly tough to break into, but Pinewood’s apprenticeship scheme is a welcome route into this exciting and highly creative industry,” he said.