Will Hougham had just started his career in the screen industry when the global lockdown started as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, creating uncertainty for millions of UK workers who were placed on furlough. But the company where he was learning his trade as a special effects technician, Real SFX, decided to use the time to build for the future, with Will very much at the heart of their ‘work bubble’.

“Looking back, I consider myself lucky to have continued to work during that time when just about everyone else I knew was unable to,” said Will.
“I helped to move workshops which meant that the new Real SFX facility was ready for when productions began filming again. It gave me the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience with various types of equipment which played a big role in me being employed by the company on completion of my apprenticeship.”

Will’s career has flourished. Specialist props and rigs that he has created have been used on television shows. He has also completed courses in forklift certification and a Level 1 Special Explosive Effects Safety & Handling course, both valuable to make him more employable in the industry.

Will has also shared his learning experiences by mentoring the next generation of Real SFX apprentices. Completing his apprenticeship has helped Will to develop as an individual, “Building a career has really helped me to make a change in my life,” he said. “I now feel much more confident with my own skills as a technician and have greatly improved my confidence in social situations, meeting and talking with others.”

Sgil Cymru have supported Will’s learning journey and have been particularly impressed by his determination to promote apprenticeships among others starting out in the industry. “Will’s hard work and adaptability not only benefitted his personal growth but also greatly supported the team at Real SFX,” said Sue Jeffries, Lead Assessor and Managing Director of Sgil Cymru.