Thriving Mid-Career is a free, blended training programme from Mission Accomplished designed to help screen professionals at a pivotal stage in their career develop the tools, confidence, and strategies they need to build a sustainable future in the industry.
Delivered by Mission Accomplished CEO Alison Grade, alongside a host of guest speakers from across the UK and Northern Ireland, this practical programme focuses on leadership, finance, and career sustainability – the essential skills that underpin a thriving freelance life in screen.
Who it’s for?
We’re looking for Northern Ireland–based professionals working in craft, technical, editorial, or production roles across any genre — including Film, HETV, continuing drama, unscripted, animation, and post-production — with 3–9 years’ industry experience.
You might be:
- Feeling ready to step up into more senior or leadership roles
- Wanting to gain confidence in managing relationships, money, and your career direction
- Looking to be more strategic about your career in Northern Ireland rather than hopping from job to job
Mission Accomplished particularly welcomes applications from traditionally excluded or under-represented groups, especially those who identify as:
We welcome applications from all individuals. If you would like support completing the application form and/or would like us to send it to you in an alternative format, please email training@mission.guru
THE COURSE WILL COVER:
| Session | Details |
|---|---|
| Session 1 – in person Saturday 31st January 2026 (0930 – 1630) |
Understanding workplace behaviours Honesty and accountability exercise Creative and practical problem solving exercise Freelancer Finances |
| Masterclass 1 – online (1830 – 2030) Monday 2nd February 2026 |
Managing up Guest speaker – Alex Oliver, Coach and Trainer |
| Masterclass 2 – online (1830 – 2030) Monday 9th February 2026 |
Introduction to business affairs Guest speaker – TBC, Producer |
| Masterclass 3 – online (1830 – 2030) Monday 16th February 2026 |
Using AI effectively Guest speaker – TBC |
| Session 2 – in person Saturday 21st February 2026 (0930 – 1630) |
Performance management, performance development and feedback
Strategic career development – Being CEO of my freelance career |
| Masterclass 4 – online (1830 – 2030) Monday 23rd February 2026 |
Next steps: ScreenSkills Make a Move, Regional picture in Northern Ireland. What does the future hold for the industry globally, nationally, and locally? Guest speakers – NI Screen and ScreenSkills |
E-learning and self-study between sessions via the Mission Accomplished Learning Portal.
KEY DATES
- Sunday 4th January 2026 – Applications close (23:59)
- 12th – 16th January 2026 – Online interviews
- Saturday 31st January (0930 – 1630) – In-Person Session 1 (Belfast)
- Monday 2nd February 2026 (1830 – 2030) – Masterclass 1: Managing Up & Leading Teams
- Monday 9th February 2026 (1830 – 2030) – Masterclass 2: Legal, Business & Affairs Essentials
- Monday 16th February 2026 (1830 – 2030) – Masterclass 3: Using AI effectively
- Saturday 21st February 2026 (0930 – 1630) – In-Person Session 2 (Belfast)
- Monday 23rd February 2026 (1830 – 2030) – Masterclass 4: Next steps in Northern Ireland
Interviews (online)
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to online interviews between 12–16 January 2026.
- Successful participants will be notified by 20 January 2026.
Alison Grade | Course Director
Alison founded and runs Mission Accomplished. The company regularly delivers training courses for ScreenSkills. Alison is an experienced Line Producer and Production Manager as well as a Nesta Accredited Creative Enterprise Trainer. She regularly delivers training that enables creatives to take their careers to the next level. Alison is the author of Penguin published book, The Freelance Bible and offers many workshops and training programmes to support freelancers.
Guest Speakers
Featuring national and Northern Ireland-based industry experts including:
- Alex Oliver – Coach and Trainer (Managing Up)
- TBC – Producer (Business Affairs)
- NI Screen & ScreenSkills – Regional and national insights
- Plus, special guest TBC on using AI in creative workflows
This programme is fully funded by our partners to make it accessible to freelancers across Northern Ireland.
- Applications are open now and close at 23:59 on Sunday 4th January 2026.
- Shortlisted applicants will be invited to online interviews between 12–16th January 2026.
- Successful participants will be notified by 20th January 2026.
