"Say Yes to Opportunities Even When They Scare You"

From an engineering background to Sky News Operations, Will Swain's journey into broadcast is a lesson in staying curious, backing yourself, and giving back to the industry that gave him a chance.

Will Swain  |  Engineer Trainee, News Operations @ Sky  |  LinkedIn

Will Swain didn't plan to work in television. He was heading down an engineering path when a friend's nudge and a basketball broadcast changed everything. Now an Engineer Trainee in News Operations at Sky, Will has racked up credits at Boardmasters, Glastonbury, and the National Student Television Awards — where he took home the Outstanding Achievement Award. We sat down with him to talk about his unusual route in, what he's learned along the way, and why he's committed to opening doors for the next generation.

Your route into the industry sounds pretty unconventional. How did it all start?

My route into the industry wasn't a traditional one. I came from an engineering background — I'd studied engineering at college from 2019 and originally saw my future heading in that direction. It was actually a friend, Ben, who suggested I give television a try after spotting opportunities he thought would suit my skills and interests.

My first experience came through Sonar Events, working on a Rebound All-Stars Basketball broadcast. From the moment I got involved, I was hooked. I loved the fast-paced environment, the teamwork, the challenge of bringing live productions together. That led to an introduction to an in-house production company, where I started as a Production Coordinator. Looking back, that role was the foundation for everything that followed.

One thing that's remained important throughout my journey is helping others find their own path in. I've been fortunate to benefit from people who gave me opportunities, and I try to do the same — whether that's offering workplace tours at Sky, sharing advice and contacts, or supporting people through networks like Production Futures and RTS.

What do you wish you'd known when you were starting out?

That you don't need to have your entire career planned out from the beginning. When I first entered the industry, I thought there was a clear path and that I needed to know exactly where I wanted to end up. In reality, the media industry is full of opportunities, specialisms, and roles you often don't discover until you're already working in it.

Being open to new experiences and saying yes to opportunities can lead you in directions you never expected. Some of the most valuable experiences I've had came from roles and conversations that weren't part of any grand plan. And I've been lucky enough to meet some incredible people — talented, supportive people who are willing to share knowledge and help others grow.

If I'd said no to that basketball broadcast because it wasn't part of my original plan, I may never have discovered a career I genuinely enjoy. Stay curious, take opportunities when they come, and don't be afraid to ask questions. You don't need everything figured out from day one.

What's your biggest 'pinch me' moment so far?

Definitely working on Boardmasters 2025, where I was part of the team running the Main Stage production as Production Coordinator. What made it so special was seeing the full journey of a production come together.

Before getting on site, I'd gained experience on the pre-production side of other major festivals — Glastonbury, Camp Bestival, Victorious. We created documents, plans, and processes that helped shape how those events were delivered. Taking that preparation into Boardmasters and then watching everything come to life on site was an incredible feeling.

Standing there, seeing the scale of the Main Stage operation, the size of the audience, the number of talented people working together — I genuinely had to stop and think: 'Wow, this is actually happening.' It reminded me why I fell in love with live production in the first place.

You won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the National Student Television Awards 2025. What did that mean to you?

I was honestly shocked when my name was announced. Looking at the other incredible people nominated — including Daisy Yapp, who is doing amazing things herself — I knew I was surrounded by a huge amount of talent. To be recognised alongside people making such a positive impact was something I'm incredibly grateful for.

For me, the award wasn't just about the event itself — it was about the commitment behind it. Creating opportunities and experiences for hundreds of students throughout my time at university. Being able to help people develop their skills, build confidence, and take their first steps into the industry has always been something I care deeply about.

One of the biggest things I took away is that awards aren't just about recognition — they're about the people you meet along the way. Through the National Student Television Association, the RTS, Production Futures, I've made friendships and connections that I know will last a lifetime. The relationships you build along the journey can be just as valuable as the achievements themselves.

Who or what keeps you going when things get tough?

The people around me, without a doubt. I'm lucky to have a close group of friends all working within the industry themselves — from freelance multi-skilled engineering and broadcast engineering with Globecast, to specialist broadcast camera operations with EMG. Being able to share experiences, support each other, and celebrate each other's successes reminds me we're all part of the same community.

Another person who continues to inspire me is Kate, one of my lecturers from university. Throughout my three years, she was always incredibly supportive, encouraging me to push myself and take opportunities. Even after graduating, I always try to catch up with her. One thing she's always said that has stuck with me: 'When we're a student, the support isn't there just while you're at university — it's there for as long as you need it.' That mindset has stayed with me throughout my career.

What's your biggest piece of advice for someone starting out in production?

Never be afraid to say yes to opportunities. The industry can be competitive, and getting that first bit of experience can be the hardest step — so take every opportunity you can. Even if something feels outside your comfort zone or isn't exactly what you imagined, every experience teaches you something and helps you build the skills and confidence you need.

Network, network, and network. The people you meet can become some of your biggest supporters, mentors, and future colleagues. Make the effort to connect, add people on LinkedIn, and keep those relationships going. You never know when a conversation might lead to your next opportunity.

Attend industry events wherever you can — organisations like Production Futures and the Royal Television Society run brilliant events that help students and early-career professionals meet people and learn. And remember: everyone has to start somewhere. Be curious, ask questions, and don't be afraid to put yourself forward.

Finally, what does the future look like for you?

I'm excited to continue developing within the industry and building on the experiences I've gained. Working with Sky in an engineering capacity has given me the opportunity to keep developing my technical skills and learn from some incredibly talented people.

My goal is to broaden my skill set and explore different areas of production — particularly developing further within on-site production, including Gallery technical positions and gaining a deeper understanding of the roles that bring live productions together from both an engineering and production perspective.

Alongside my own career development, creating opportunities for students and early-career talent remains really important to me. I'd love to continue building tailored events, workshops, and experiences focused on practical skills and real-world workflows. I've benefited massively from people who took the time to support and guide me — and I want to keep doing the same for others, helping to make the industry feel more accessible for the next generation of talent.

Will Swain can be found on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/will-swain