At Real SFX, we are proud to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, shining a spotlight on the incredible impact apprenticeships have had on our business and the talented individuals who have come through our ranks. Apprenticeships are at the heart of our company culture, providing a vital route into the industry and creating life-changing career opportunities for young professionals.

The Power of Apprenticeships in the SFX Industry

The special effects industry is one that thrives on hands-on experience, creativity, and technical expertise. Apprenticeships play a crucial role in developing the next generation of SFX professionals, equipping them with the practical skills needed to excel in a fast-paced and ever-evolving field. At Real SFX, we have seen firsthand how apprenticeships bring fresh talent and innovation to our industry, helping us push boundaries and deliver our award-winning SFX work.

From a business perspective, our apprenticeship programme has been a resounding success. It has helped us develop a skilled workforce while fostering creativity, innovation, and loyalty. Our very first apprentice is still with us today, and some of our most accomplished technicians have come through this route—including Dewi Foulkes, who went on to win an Emmy with Real SFX.

A Culture Built on Apprenticeships

Our founders, Danny Hargreaves and Carmela Carrubba,  themselves took the apprenticeship route, proving that this path equips individuals with the essential skills and experience needed to forge a successful career. Apprenticeships provide more than just technical training—they nurture confidence, ambition, and a lifelong passion for the industry.

Carmela has built a business that thrives on talent, training, and hands-on learning. Though she didn’t take the conventional academic route into the industry, her apprenticeship experience gave her the tools, confidence, and real-world skills to forge her own path and inspire the next generation of SFX professionals.

“Apprenticeships provide an incredible pathway into industries that can seem impossible to break into. For those with passion and dedication, they open doors that a traditional academic route might not. The SFX industry is all about learning by doing, and there is no better way to gain that experience than through an apprenticeship.” – Carmela

Real-World Experience: The Key to Success

One of the defining aspects of our apprenticeship programme is the invaluable on-set experience we provide. Apprentices spend three to four months in our workshop, mastering kit maintenance, product knowledge, and essential skills before stepping onto a film set. This preparation is priceless—giving them the confidence and technical expertise to excel in high-pressure environments. Every day in this industry is different, and our apprentices quickly learn to adapt, problem-solve, and thrive in ever-changing scenarios.

One of our success stories is Will Hougham, who started as a nervous apprentice but has since flourished in the creative industry. Will was awarded Apprentice of the Year for the Creative Industry and the Overall Apprenticeship of the Year Award after completing his apprenticeship between 2019-2020.

His talent and hard work were further recognised when he was named one of the ‘100 Technicians: We Make a Difference’, featuring in their adverts and spotlights. In 2023, Will was also awarded the prestigious Royal Society Hauskbee Award. Through hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world training, he has grown into a confident professional and is now part of the ‘We Are Technicians’ programme, representing the next generation of skilled technicians.

Outstanding Retention and Recognition

At Real SFX, we’ve had at least one apprentice every year, since 2010 growing and nurturing local talent in the ever-growing TV & film sector in Wales, and our retention rate is exceptional. Only two apprentices have left the industry—an incredible testament to the strength of our programme and the long-term career prospects it provides. Our two latest recruits, Rudi, our Production office apprentice and Griff, our SFX apprentice. 

A Celebration of Opportunity

Apprenticeships change lives, offering individuals the chance to follow their dreams and carve out a future in a competitive industry. As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week, we want to acknowledge the dedication of our apprentices, past and present, as well as our industry partners, including Sue and Nadine from Sgil Cymru, who continue to support apprenticeship programmes.

“As a training provider for the screen industries based in Wales, Sgil Cymru is extremely proud of the long standing relationship with Danny and Carmela and the Real SFX team in training, developing and progressing talent.  It has been a great privilege to work with an employer year on year that really sees the value of taking on apprentices and the contribution they make to their business and the tv and film industry.  Nurturing new talent is at the heart of what Sgil Cymru does and it is great to have an employer that shares the same values”

“It is fantastic to see so many apprentices that have come through Sgil Cymru and Real SFX continue to work in the industry and progress in their careers.  Apprenticeships provide such a great way to enter this industry and the opportunities and experiences that Real SFX offers are second to none. That’s why Sgil Cymru is so passionate and committed to working with employers like Real SFX in developing and retaining the talent of the future” comments Nadine Roberts, Head of Training, Sgil Cymru

Conclusion

Apprenticeships are not just about learning a trade—they are about unlocking potential, building confidence, and shaping the future of the industry. At Real SFX, we are proud to fly the flag for apprenticeships, today and always!