Pact launches Alumni Support Programme 2026

Pact has launched a new programme of support for alumni of its training initiatives over the past 10 years, designed to help develop their careers, build industry connections and navigate the challenges of a changing industry.

The programme will offer a range of opportunities across Scotland and London, including mentoring, training, workshops, career development and networking. It aims to help alumni build on the skills and experience they have gained, and take the next steps in their careers.

In Scotland, an Alumni Mentoring Scheme 2026 has been funded by Screen Scotland. Developed in response to the current challenges facing the industry, the initiative focuses on supporting the progression and retention of alumni of the Pact Scottish Indie Training Scheme. 

A cohort of 15 alumni has been paired with senior executives from leading Scottish independent television production companies, including STV, Raise the Roof, Ricochet, Tinopolis Scotland, Lion Television, Studio Something, Firecrest, Blackhill, Black Camel Pictures, BBC Drama and BBC Scotland.

Running from September 2026 to February 2027, the scheme combines one-to-one mentoring with access to training and professional development resources. Participants will benefit from the experience and guidance of senior industry figures, helping them develop their skills, expand their professional networks and identify new opportunities for career progression.

In London, Pact is supporting alumni of the Pact London Indie Training Scheme through additional training, workshops and career development opportunities, helping them strengthen their skills, build connections and progress in their television careers.

Nigel Warner, Chief Executive of Pact, said: "Pact is committed to helping the alumni of its Indie Training Schemes in their careers in the TV industry. To support them in the current environment, Pact is pleased that the alumni from its Scotland scheme will be paired with experienced executives as mentors who will be able to guide and advise them over the next 6 months.”

Anjani Patel, Head of Skills, Inclusion and Diversity at Pact, said: “Through this programme of support, we want to continue investing in the people who have come through our training initiatives over the past decade. We know that getting into the industry is only the first step, and that ongoing guidance, development and access to the right networks can make a real difference to people’s ability to progress and stay in the sector.”

Steven Little, Head of Production at Screen Scotland, said: “Screen Scotland is committed to building a sustainable, skilled and diverse workforce for Scotland’s screen sector. A career in film and television can be hugely rewarding, and we recognise that professional development is a lifelong journey. Retaining and upskilling our existing workforce is just as important as creating opportunities for new entrants. Our continued collaboration with Pact reinforces this commitment, helping to ensure that Scotland’s screen professionals have access to the training, support and opportunities they need to thrive at every stage of their careers.”

Gavin Smith, Commissioning Editor Scripted, BBC Scotland, said: “Pact runs a fantastic mentoring programme and I’m delighted to be part of it this year. It can be such a productive process for career development for all parties involved and I’m sure my mentee and myself will get a lot out of it.”

Paul Sheehan, Chief Operating Officer at STV, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Pact on their new Mentoring Programme with colleagues from across our various genres offering support and guidance to a great cohort of emerging Scottish talent”

Jane Muirhead, Managing Director, Raise the Roof Productions, said: “Since 2017, Pact’s Scottish Indie Training Scheme has produced a brilliantly diverse cohort of creative and talented individuals. I believe that Pact’s approach to this through alumni mentoring with experienced industry leaders and programme makers, alongside continued upskilling via training will help ensure that we continue to be able to support their careers behind the scenes which in turn enriches the stories we tell onscreen.”

Jordan Laird, Creative Director at Studio Something, said: “Ian and I started the company without any connections in the industry or a leg up. We didn’t come from backgrounds that traditionally open doors into the creative industries, so we know how important it is that people from all backgrounds are given the opportunity to get in, be heard and make things. From day one, we’ve always believed in dropping the ladder down behind us, not pulling it up. That’s why we take any opportunity we can to mentor, offer advice, open doors and give people the kind of help we would have valued when we were starting out. The creative industries are better when more people have the chance to be part of them.”