New Student Register open

BECTU’s new Student Register is now open for students thinking of a career in the media and entertainment industries.

The scheme is open to students at colleges and universities and will help students to build a relationship with the union in preparation for the world of work.

Signing up for the Student Register is free.

BECTU wants the scheme to encourage a better understanding of what it means to work freelance, or as a member of staff, to assist new starters to approach work with more confidence.

New bonds with the student community in higher education will also help BECTU to keep in touch with the needs of its future members.

Those who register will receive a regular e-newsletter covering topics as varied as contracts, health and safety, tax and work experience, along with the opportunity to attend BECTU’s career development events.

Better publicity for the union’s work with students and new entrants will also encourage higher take up of the union’s special starter membership rate.

New entrants, working as freelances, can join BECTU as a full member for just £60 for their first year if they join BECTU within a year of graduating or completion of training; new entrants who secure staff positions are encouraged to join at the standard new joiner rate of £10 per month, or less if initial industry earnings are under £12,000.

BECTU officials supporting members in film, broadcasting and the arts, have good relations with a number of colleges up and down the country. When diaries permit, officials also deliver talks to final year students.

“College tutors have long recognised the benefit to their courses of encouraging students to understand the demands of the environment in which they will apply their skills,” explained BECTU’s Assistant General Secretary, Martin Spence.

“BECTU has a positive role to play here and we look forward to developing this further through the Student Register,” Martin Spence concluded.

More details are in the Student Register flyer [148k pdf].

To join the Register complete the registration form.