UCE Birmingham's Technology Innovation Centre (TIC) and Birmingham and Solihull's New Technology Institute (NTI) have teamed up to offer advanced training as a result of increasing demand for screen-based media skills.
The first Authorised Apple Training Centre (AATC) in the Midlands will open its doors in January next year at NTI's new central Birmingham HQ, using the latest Apple equipment, and run by TIC's training staff from the adjacent Millennium Point campus.
As the first official training resource outside London, it will offer two to five day courses for both professional, and keen amateur, digital programme producers.
They will gain valuable expertise in preparing digital material for film, video and broadcast media. Certificates will be awarded on satisfactory completion of the courses.
The TIC's track record in successfully running Apple's Final Cut Pro (FCP) editing courses has been instrumental in Apple-accredited training being offered in the Midlands for the first time.
TIC's head of interactive media, Steve Smith, said: "We're delighted to be running the first AATC outside London. TIC's Final Cut Pro training experience and its hosting of the regional user group, have given us a headstart in delivering quality courses."
The TIC-run programmes will instruct producers of digital, visual-content in editing accurately and fast on the industry's foremost equipment.
Training on Apple's software includes the Final Cut Pro v.5 editing programme and the DVD Studio Pro.
The latter enables high-definition, visual material to fit on to DVD for use in a wide variety of industry formats.
Specialist programmes include 'Shake', which enables effects to be added during editing, 'Motion' for the generation of advanced animation and active graphics, and 'Logic' which offers audio engineers and sound designers a sophisticated and flexible sound resource. Instruction in advanced authoring techniques for DVDs and technical problem-solving skills will be offered to experienced students.
NTI's Apple business development manager, Neil Emery, said: "We are very pleased to be the first regional NTI to undertake this training.
"TIC has creative networks which are the hub of the Midlands screen-based creative industries. It is also helping use of digital media to grow through its Market Maker scheme. Sound technical training is crucial for professional providers."
Mark Rogers, managing director Apple UK, added: "UK interest in professional solutions amongst digital visualmedia producers is escalating thanks to products like Final Cut Studio, Motion, Logic and Shake.
"TIC's proven role in offering both training and Media Vault technical support to the Midlands screen-based creative community makes it the ideal Midlands delivery source for certified training on Apple's professional software packages."
