[Vicky.]

Originally Posted by Blurryface

At college we are currently being encouraged to do ‘industry placements’.

We would basically go to a company for a week, complete work they need doing, and all for free. Now this in itself is a bad idea, as all we gain from it is a little experience. But in the field I’m in, filmmaking, it’s a tough job making an entire film or advert solo, and for free. There’s the casting, planning, filming, editing, sound production, rendering etc - and to do that alone for no money is just something I’d rather not do. Especially when we are so used to working in groups where everyone can focus on their strong suit.

When we are giving them a skill, talent, whatever you call it, it’s the kind of thing I expect to be paid for. Yes I’m just starting out, so I’m not asking for much as it’s not the same quality as an industry professional, but it’s passable work and not something that in the industry would be given as a freebie.

Yup, you are working, even though you are learning, and should be paid for it.

Its odd, when people think stuff lie this is ok because 'lazy young', should work for free, but then complain that they have to claim JSA or whatever to survive on. Like, you cannot logically agree with both forcing people to work for free, but also complain that they have no income.

I think even learning on the job stuff should be paid. I think workfare and the likes should be done away with and employers should be made to pay proper wages when people work for them, rather than picking from an endless pool of unfortunate people who have to do all the bad sides of working without the one upside, which is a wage and cash to do what you want. I also think employers such as subway, should be made to pay properly rather than using 'apprenticeship' as a way to pay half, or less. Its horrible and exploitative and absolutely should not be encouraged or allowed.