CrewHQ Level Up Programme

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Overview

CrewHQ Level Up is our flagship mid-level development programme, combining the strengths of previous existing crew programmes, ‘Step Up’, ‘Seven Up’ and ‘Accelerator’.

This pilot programme is designed for mid-level crew who have been identified by their HOD to step up to the next level in their department, in an Assistant Coordinator, Coordinator, Supervisor, or department equivalent on active WBD Productions in 2026.

Participants must be nominated by their production to step up to the next level within their department. The programme provides a blend of personal development training and coaching, industry specific skills training and a On-The-Job training, starting up to 3 weeks early. A funding contribution is available for this up to 3 week period, per production rates for the uplifted role, capped at £7,000 per participant.

There are six spaces available on this high impact programme, and all candidates must submit a full application.

What You’ll Gain

CrewHQ is offering six places on this high-impact bespoke programme. By the end of CrewHQ Level Up, participants will:

  • Feel confident and empowered to step up on their next job on a Warner Bros. Discovery production
  • Develop role specific skills and insights into the challenges and opportunities available to them within their department
  • Develop the communication and leadership skills to handle difficult conversations, influence peers and lead with clarity under pressure
  • Understand the impact they have on industry culture and develop the skills to mentor others and champion inclusion

The Opportunity

  • On-the-Job training: Join your Warner Bros. Discovery production up to 3 weeks early to ramp up, and learn about the role to feel well prepared for Day 1
  • An integrated coaching and training programme for personal and professional development led by Executive Leadership Coach, Hannah Corneck including:
    • CrewHQ Level Up Launch Day covering the completion of a Training Needs Assessment and a Personal Development Plan as well as the first 121 coach/training session
    • Months 1-3 CrewHQ Level Up Programme: Up to 8 hours of online participant led integrated coach training covering areas such as; building confidence, leadership and communication skills, building resilience, giving and receiving feedback, managing and leading up and down and personal impact
  • Three industry skills training sessions identified in your Training Needs Assessment in collaboration with your HOD and provided via CrewHQ
  • The creation and support of a peer network: The opportunity to come together as a cohort for a mid-way half day training and networking event, followed the same as part of a graduation event at the end of the programme
  • CrewHQ General Training: Access to wider CrewHQ training
  • Wellbeing: Access to Solas Mind counselling – 2 sessions on WBD Production + 3 sessions topped up by CrewHQ
  • End of programme interview conducted by an independent consultant
  • Event and Networking Opportunities

 

Timeline Activity Participants Format/delivery
Up to -3 weeks to Start Date of targeted role: Ramp Up period Preparing for your new role on-the-job Participant Working on the production
Level Up Launch Day – Day 1 Ramp Up (full day) Personal Development Planning (PDP) Participant, Your HOD, Hannah Corneck and Yuen-Wai Liu (CrewHQ) In-person
Official Day 1 on the Production
During months 1-3 Online one-to-one sessions (total 8 hours) Participant, Hannah Corneck Online
During the Production 3 x industry-skills training sessions as identified in your PDP session You TBC
During the Production Mid-Way training session with cohort Level Up cohort, Hannah Corneck In-person
End of 2026 Graduation Event Level Up cohort, Hannah Corneck In-person
Beginning of 2027 End of Programme Interview, 30 minutes Participant and Independent Consultant Online


TIMELINE : June – December 2026

Applicants must apply between June and October 2026 and complete their programme training by December 2026. Productions may continue beyond this period.

Participants will begin the programme at different points, with opportunities to come together as a cohort later in the schedule.

 

What's Next

Is This for You?

You are a mid-level crew member with the ambition to step up to an Assistant Coordinator, Coordinator, Supervisor or department equivalent role and:

1. You and your HOD feel you are ready to step up
2. You can demonstrate resilience in overcoming barriers to progression and show proactive problem-solving
3. You support and uplift junior colleagues and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace
4. You show emerging or established leadership i.e., you show leadership potential or proven leadership in action through how you guide teams, shape decisions and take accountability and ownership
5. You’re committed to a sustained career in Features and HETV
6. You have self-awareness, are committed to your own development, have a hunger for growth and the courage to challenge yourself professionally and personally

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

  • Have been nominated by an HOD who will step you up on a Warner Bros. Discovery production during 2026
  • Have held the same role (or equivalent level) for a significant number of productions
  • Have worked on a Warner Bros. Discovery production within the last five years, (or more with a deliberate career break)
  • Not yet have performed the target step up role (unless only on a lower-band production)
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the programme

 

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and are committed to fostering and supporting an inclusive and representative cohort.

We welcome applications from candidates wishing to apply as a job-share.

Funding Contribution

  • A funding contribution is available for this up to 3 week ramp up period, per production rates for the uplifted role, capped at £7,000 per participant.
  • Funding requests must be submitted via the Warner Bros. Discovery Production.
  • The placement must be agreed in advance

 

 

Commitment

Participants agree to:

  • Attend all scheduled training/coaching sessions and masterclasses
  • Complete feedback forms and take part in evaluation interviews
  • Uphold inclusive, collaborative team behaviours
  • “Give back” by supporting future CrewHQ Level Up cohorts, CrewHQ and the wider industry

 

 

HODs agree to:

  • Contribute to and support the candidate in completing a Training Needs Assessment and Personal Development Plan in collaboration with the Course Leader and Skills Manager from CrewHQ
  • Fortnightly 15‑minute check‑in calls with CrewHQ Programme Lead
  • Ongoing support for the Candidate throughout the CrewHQ Level Up Programme

 

 

TIMELINE

May–December 2026: Programme delivery window

How to Apply (via Production Nomination)

      Confirm eligibility (see criteria above)
      Speak with your HOD about your readiness to step up and request sponsorship
      Complete the online application

 

Questions?

For eligibility, timelines, or application process support, please contact your HOD or email CrewHQ.

FAQS

CrewHQ Level Up offers a rare opportunity to move into a more senior role with structured support. You will receive integrated coaching and training to support your professional and personal development, bespoke skills support tailored to your department supported by your HOD, 1:1 coaching, wellbeing provision and up to £7,000 capped funding to start your production up to 3 weeks early for On-the-Job training.

It is specifically designed to help you feel confident and ready to take the next step in your career.

No. The programme is completely free for participants. All training, coaching, and sessions are fully funded.

Participants are expected to:

  • Attend all training, coaching, and masterclasses
  • Engage fully with their Personal Development Plan
  • Demonstrate collaborative and inclusive behaviour throughout
  • “Give back” by supporting future cohorts and the wider CrewHQ community
  • Take part in evaluation interviews and feedback processes

A confirmed job is required before you apply. Your HOD must nominate you and agree to step you up on a Warner Bros. Discovery production during 2026. The programme does not arrange placements or roles; they must be confirmed by the production as part of the nomination.

Yes. The ramp-up period is paid. The production will contract you from the 3 week ramp-up and recharge CrewHQ for the early-start funding (up to £7,000) to cover up to 3 weeks of ramp-up before your contracted Day 1 in your new role. Once your official contract begins, you will be paid directly by the production for the remainder of your stepped-up role.

The programme runs June–December 2026, including:

  • CrewHQ Level Up Launch Day covering the completion of the Training Needs Assessment and Personal Development Plan as well as the first 121 coach/training session with the coach trainer
  • Up to eight hours of online coach training with the coach trainer over the course of 3 months from the Launch Day. These will be scheduled and contracted with the coach trainer at a time that suits you both within working hours
  • Two in-person afternoon/evening sessions
  • Three industry skills specific training as identified in your Training Needs Assessment and Personal Development Plan
  • Post-programme individual feedback session

Exact session dates will be confirmed once the cohort is selected.

To be eligible for the scheme, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. Full right-to-work checks will be conducted at the interview stage.

Yes. CrewHQ and Warner Bros. Discovery are committed to equality of opportunity. We work with productions to support any participant who requires reasonable adjustments. We also recommend exploring Access to Work for additional support if you have a disability, physical or mental health condition.

Your data will be processed through the application platform, shared with readers, assessors, and the CrewHQ recruitment team. It may also be shared with the relevant production for the purpose of confirming placements. For further info, please see our privacy policy.

The Application Process

Even if your HOD has discussed your potential step-up with CrewHQ, you must still complete the full application and a place on the programme is not guaranteed. Your HOD’s nomination confirms their support — but the application allows you to demonstrate your readiness, explain your development needs and show your commitment to the seven-month programme. All applications are assessed fairly and consistently against the same criteria to ensure an equitable selection process.

The programme requires sustained engagement and a high level of commitment. The application form is designed to help you reflect meaningfully on your experience, strengths, development areas, and long-term goals. This reflection ensures you and your HOD are aligned and helps us understand whether the programme is the right fit for you at this stage of your career.

• Applications are reviewed against eligibility and submission criteria
• A panel of experienced industry figures assesses all eligible applications
• Shortlisted applicants are invited to an interview (usually via Zoom) with the Programme Lead

We will work with you to schedule your training. We endeavour to have 3 in-person training sessions which we will discuss with you and the cohort to schedule.

There is no upper age limit but all applicants must be 18 years +.

General Eligibility

No. The programme is fully funded.

Yes. Applicants must have worked on a Warner Bros. Discovery production within the last five years (or earlier if you have had a deliberate career break).

A panel of experienced industry professionals and the CrewHQ team.

Unfortunately, we are not able to provide individual feedback to unsuccessful applicants.