RAD Scotland is aimed at people who are often underrepresented in film and TV, including: Disabled people, Autistic and neurodivergent people, People from low-income backgrounds, People who’ve struggled to “break in” due to lack of connections.

RAD TV Apprenticeship 2025: A Life-Changing Opportunity for Autistic and Disabled Creatives

Apr 29

2 min read

If you’ve ever dreamed of working in film or television but felt like the door was closed — this could be the opportunity that changes everything.

The TRC Media RAD Scotland traineeship is now open for applications, and it’s specifically designed for people who have faced barriers entering the TV industry — including autistic, disabled and neurodivergent individuals.

And honestly? Opportunities like this don’t come around often.

🌟 What is RAD Scotland?

RAD (which stands for “Researcher, Assistant, Development”) is a paid TV traineeship that gives you real, hands-on experience inside a professional production company.

Successful applicants will:

Work full-time in a TV production company
Be paid the Real Living Wage (TRC Media)
Receive training throughout the placement
Build real industry experience over 8 months (TRC Media)

This isn’t just a course — it’s a direct route into the TV industry.

🎬 Who is it for?

RAD Scotland is aimed at people who are often underrepresented in film and TV, including:

Disabled people
Autistic and neurodivergent people
People from low-income backgrounds
People who’ve struggled to “break in” due to lack of connections

The programme was created specifically to break down barriers and move away from the “it’s all about who you know” culture in the industry (TRC Media)

Even better:👉 You don’t need previous TV experience or qualifications👉 You just need passion, interest, and willingness to learn

💼 What kind of roles can you do?

You don’t need to have everything figured out — but RAD gives you the chance to explore roles like:

Production Assistant – organising shoots and supporting teams
Researcher – finding stories, contributors, and ideas
Edit Assistant – working on editing and post-production
Development Researcher – helping create new TV ideas

These are the real behind-the-scenes roles that make TV happen.

💡 Why this matters (especially for autistic people)

Breaking into TV can feel impossible — especially if you:

Struggle with networking
Don’t feel comfortable in traditional interviews
Haven’t had access to opportunities
Think differently from others

RAD Scotland recognises that talent exists everywhere — it just isn’t always given a chance.

The programme offers:

Ongoing support during your placement
Inclusive application options (including help completing forms) (TRC Media)
A structured environment to learn and grow

This kind of support can make a huge difference.

📈 Does it actually lead to jobs?

Yes — and this is the exciting part.

Around 85% of trainees go on to work in the TV industry after completing the programme (Screen Scotland)

That means this isn’t just “experience” — it can genuinely lead to a career.

📍 Important things to know

You must be 18 or over
You need to be based in Scotland
Most placements are around Glasgow
You must be available full-time for the duration

✨ Final thoughts

Opportunities like RAD Scotland are powerful because they don’t just offer training — they offer belief.

Belief that autistic people belong in creative industries. Belief that different ways of thinking are valuable. Belief that barriers can be broken.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I’d love to work in TV, but it’s not for people like me…”

This is proof that it can be.

And maybe — just maybe — this could be your starting point.

By Kat | Autistic Girl | 29/04/26

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