The Chancellor of the Exchequer has awarded the Services Sound and Vision Corporation (SSVC) a grant for £1.8. million over three years to set up and run a Forces Media Academy which will offer digital and broadcast media skills to service leavers and veterans…

The academy will be based at SSVC’s headquarters at Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire and will offer 15 places a year starting in the autumn of 2017. The course will lead to an HNC level qualification and will be taught by academic professionals. All candidates will be offered work experience with SSVC which runs a range of TV, digital and radio services for British Forces and their families.

The course will prepare candidates for roles in Britain’s dynamic media and digital economy.

SSVC’s Chief Executive Simon Bucks, said: "This new service builds on our unique relationship with the British military community and will offer real opportunity to those wanting to develop a career in the media and communications industry following their service."

The Royal British Legion has already pledged significant financial support to the academy which will cover students’ living expenses while they are training. A number of other military charities have also pledged support for the project.

A spokesperson for The Royal British Legion, said: "The Royal British Legion is proud to be supporting SSVC’s Forces Media Academy and will work with our corporate partners, encouraging them to sponsor veteran students and provide work based placements. The Academy is a unique project and the Legion will ensure that the 60,000 beneficiaries across our national network of staff, volunteers, media channels, corporate and charity partners are aware of the exciting opportunities it will undoubtedly bring to the Armed Forces community.”