INTRODUCTION

Given the relatively recent and rapid growth of the discipline of on-air branding and promotion within the television industry most training remains "on the job". In addition the comparatively small number of people employed in this field and the specialized nature of the skills (e.g. the art and science of creating the perfect ad break flow) mean that permanent academic or vocational training courses are unlikely to be feasible in the forseeable future. 

IN-HOUSE TRAINING

As in many industries internships are both a valuable way to learn and "to get your foot in the door". Keep your eye open for internships posted on the Media Studies Roundup Blog on Tumblr for example: http://www.mediastudiesma.tumblr.com (Password: mediastudies). Internships are often listed at some of the lage media networks based in New York City such as ABC, CBS, NBC and MTV. An interships count as credit towards your degree with prior approval from the faculty.

As an intern or when starting a new job in an entry level position it is wise to identify a mentor who can pass on their experience and help guide your career.

VENDOR TRAINING

Most suppliers of software and hardware to the broadcast industry run their own training courses sometimes for free as a means to encourage employees to adopt and use their products. A training package may also form part of a larger supplier agreement, for example as part of a deal for proprietary shceduling software used by a channel. The types of courses available depend on which field within the industry in which you work:

• Designers might attend courses run by software manufacturers such as Adobe (eg Illustrator, Photoshop and After Effects) orr hardware manufacturers such as Quantel.

Promo producers may wish to attend course run by Final Cut Pro or Avid media Composer or Pro Tools.

PromaxBDA

PromaxBDA runs a number of training courses and workshops throughout the year. See Case Study 1 Section 6 Education for details.  

Ad hoc               Some of the leading companies providing creative services such as Lee Hunt and Lambie Nairn run seminars and course for companies.