The completion ceremony for TV & Film Fusion: MasterChef Edition marked more than the end of a training programme. It demonstrated what is possible when training and industry work in genuine partnership to create real routes into the screen sector.

Bringing together partners, production professionals and participants, the event reflected a shared commitment to developing a skilled, diverse and industry-ready workforce across the West Midlands.

Opening the event, Alison Grade, CEO of Mission Accomplished, welcomed guests and shared the company’s journey as a specialist training provider for screen and creative industries.

Based in Birmingham, Mission Accomplished works closely with production partners to design training that reflects the current realities of working in film and television, ensuring participants are prepared for real production environments today.

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Training shaped by real industry need

A key factor in the programme’s success has been its close partnership with Shine TV and the production team behind MasterChef.

Working collaboratively, Mission Accomplished and its industry partners identified the roles and experience levels needed locally, focusing on career changers with transferable skills.

With more than 200 applications and 50 interviews, the process was rigorous, resulting in a cohort of 15 participants for the most recent course. This ensured that participants were not only trained but fully prepared to contribute to real productions.

applications

200+

“We’re not operating at a distance from industry… we’re part of it.”

Alison Grade

CEO, Mission Accomplished 

This approach is embedded across the Create Central Skills Accelerator Programme, delivered over 28 months and spanning three key training strands for West Midlands residents.

Across these programmes, the focus has remained consistent: building a skilled, confident and connected workforce within the West Midlands.

TV & Film Fusion

Aimed at those with no previous industry experience or education to make Film and TV their career.

Early to Mid-Level Upskilling

Supporting progression in the region for those 2-5 years into their careers in the industry.

Learn to Lead in Film and TV: Step up to HOD

Supporting progression in the region for the next generation of Film and TV leaders and HODs.

REAL PEOPLE, REAL CAREER CHANGE

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The outcomes tell the real story.

These results reflect not only the quality of training, but also the commitment of participants, many of whom balanced learning alongside work and personal responsibilities.

85% 
of HOD participants

Gained new contracts or increased responsibility

75%
of mid-level participants

Secured new employment

Real impact, measurable outcomes

0
Applications received
0
Training courses were delivered
0
Individuals were trained
0
Hours of training were provided

BUILDING A STRONGER REGIONAL INDUSTRY

As production activity continues to grow across the West Midlands, programmes like TV & Film Fusion and Learn to Lead in Film and TV: Step up to HOD are helping to ensure that local talent grows with it.

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This is not an endpoint. We are on a journey.

It is all part of a strategic vision to ensure a sustainable, inclusive and industry-connected workforce, one that gives people access to meaningful careers while strengthening the region’s screen sector for the future.

TV & Film Fusion: MasterChef Edition was delivered by Mission Accomplished in partnership with BOA Stage and Screen Production Academy as part of the Create Central Skills Accelerator, with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority and the BFI. Special thanks to Shine TV and all our freelancer and industry partners who helped make the programmes possible.

TV & Film Fusion: Creating Access and Opportunity

The TV & Film Fusion programme has played a central role in widening access to the industry and opening doors for new entrants.

79%

of the February 2025 completing cohort are now in sustained employment or progressing towards it.

Participants

94

Disability

37%

No degree

50%

Excluded backgrounds

56%

Lower socio-economic backgrounds

71%

Importantly, those opportunities are translating into real outcomes.

These figures highlight the programme’s role in creating opportunities for individuals who may not previously have seen a pathway into the screen industries.

Across the programme as a whole:

61%

of those unemployed at the start have achieved destinations in the industry.

70%

of those who were employed at the start have achieved destinations in the industry and we still have a whole cohort of learners yet to record a destination.

Participants have moved into roles on productions including MasterChef and projects with BBC Studios, demonstrating the strength of the regional talent pipeline.