Education / Camera Trainee
Written by real camera crew
5 Min Read
If you want to start a career in the UK camera department, working as a camera trainee is a key first step.
This 2026 guide will cover everything you need to know, including:
What a camera trainee does
How to get your first job as a camera trainee
The skills you need as a camera trainee
The qualifications are required to be a camera trainee
How to stand out from other beginners in the industry
Whether you’re completely new to the industry, moving up from a floor runner role, or looking for camera trainee jobs in the UK, this guide will help you break into the film and TV industry with confidence.
A camera trainee helps the camera department on film and TV productions. You’ll work closely with the 2nd AC (Second Assistant Camera) and the rest of the team to keep things running smoothly on set. The role is part practical support and part hands-on learning. You’ll help the department work efficiently while building the skills needed to move up in the camera department.
Your exact duties depend on the type of production (feature films, commercials, music videos, etc.) and whether there is a dedicated video department (a department for managing monitors, video feeds, and playback). On a typical UK film set, a camera trainee may:
Assist with keeping camera equipment organised and clean
Setting up monitors/video village (if there’s no video department) and ensuring a constant video signal
Assist with moving camera equipment between setups
Keep equipment powered and running
Assist with camera reports
Support the department with essential tasks, including making tea or coffee, cleaning lenses or gear, standing in for other crew members, and collecting lunch orders.
Observe, learn, and take on more technical responsibilities
This mix of practical work and learning makes the camera trainee role an important first step into the camera department.
Before you try to land your first job, it’s important to understand who actually hires camera trainees.
While the production team approves all roles, the 2nd AC, and sometimes the 1st AC (First Assistant Camera), are usually who recommend camera trainees. Your goal is to make yourself visible, helpful, and reliable so 2nd ACs feel confident recommending you.
Here are some of the most effective ways to get your first camera trainee job in the UK:
Work as a Floor Runner – Camera crews often hire people they already know and trust. Starting as a runner is a great way to meet crew members, build relationships, and get opportunities in the camera department.
Instagram – Many camera crews post crew calls (a job listing) on Instagram stories. Follow crews in your area and turn on story notifications. Often, replying quickly to a story can lead to your first camera trainee job.
Facebook groups – The UK has plenty of Facebook groups that post crew calls, including ones focused on camera roles. Some useful groups include:
UK Film Jobs
TV and Film Jobs
London Camera Assistants
Prep day volunteer – Volunteering on prep days gives crews a low-pressure way to get to know you. If you make a good impression, they may bring you in for dailies (one-off shooting days) or even hire you for a full project.
Work in a camera rental house – Rental houses are where productions hire and test camera equipment. Working here gives you:
Technical experience with industry camera gear
Opportunities to work closely with 1st ACs, 2nd ACs, and DPs
A big advantage when applying for camera trainee roles
Some UK rental houses to check out:
Camera trainees who get rehired and move up in the camera department usually share these key traits:
Good communication – You make sure instructions are understood, keep the team updated, and ask questions when needed and at appropriate times.
Proactive – You don’t wait to be told what to do. If you can anticipate what’s needed, you become invaluable (this comes with experience).
Calm under pressure – Chaos on set is normal. Staying calm earns trust.
Knows the basics – You don’t need to know everything as a beginner, but understanding the fundamentals and handling simple tasks well puts you ahead.
Easy to work with – Filming days are long and sets are busy. Pleasant, reliable people get invited back.
Learns quickly – You take feedback, improve, and avoid repeating mistakes.
In the freelance world, attitude, reliability, and practical skills matter far more than formal certificates.
That said, learning the basics through trainee workshops, online courses, or trainee schemes can help, especially when crew members don’t yet know who you are.
If you want to work in the UK camera department, join our free online workshop - your shortcut to getting prepared and staying ahead.
Hosted and created by UK camera crew, this workshop is designed for anyone who wants to break into or progress within the camera department. Whether you’re completely new, or a very green camera trainee struggling to find steady work, this session is for you.
By the end of the workshop, you’ll know how to break into the camera department and land consistent camera trainee work.
(Plus, there are some great gifts included!)
Apply below for FREE entry. No gatekeeping, just practical advice from people who’ve been in your shoes.
We’d love to have you there!
