ITV Academy launches sport traineeship in memory of former technical director Roger Pearce

The ITV Academy, in partnership with Creative Access, announces today the launch of a new traineeship in memory of ITV Sport Technical Director, Roger Pearce, who died last year. 

The successful candidate will be offered a 12-month contract, giving them the opportunity to join ITV Sport’s multi-skilled technical team where they will gain a complete understanding of the technical production process and learn new skills with training from ITV Sport’s technical facilities providers. 

Applications are now open and will close on the 26th of November 2023, with the placement to begin in mid-January. Candidates can apply here.

Roger worked at ITV for 43 years and as Technical Director was responsible for the technical planning and operational management of ITV Sport’s output including major events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Euro Championships and the Rugby World Cup. 

The ITV Sport Trainee Technical Assistant will be at the heart of Sport, supporting the team with planning, schedules, crew trackers and kit logistics for productions. ITV Sport’s portfolio of first-class events, includes Six Nations rugby, England Women's qualifiers and friendlies, UEFA EURO 2024 and 2028, the FA Cup, the best of UK Horse Racing and much more. 

The ITV Academy will be working closely with Creative Access in the recruitment of this role, as part of a wider programme to open up access to careers in the production industry from those from groups under-represented in the sector in terms of ethnicity, disability and lower SES. The successful candidate will also participate in the Creative Access ‘Springboard’ career support programme, which provides an induction into the industry, a “buddy”, monthly masterclasses and career and wellbeing support. If prospective candidates meet the minimum criteria for the role and have declared their disability, ITV guarantees to take their application to the next stage. 

Sarah Howard, Head of Production Operations, ITV Sport, said: “The news of Roger’s death shook the world of sports broadcasting. Roger would have been delighted to have this traineeship set up in his name. I can’t think of a better way of ensuring that his name lives on at ITV Sport.”

The ITV Academy is headed up by Director Sonny Hanley and brings together new and existing initiatives across ITV, making it easier for existing production staff and those looking to join ITV to access training and development.