Trainee scheme launched for second season of Netflix's Edinburgh-set hit series Dept Q

As hit Netflix series Dept. Q returns to Edinburgh to film its second series, there’s an opportunity for trainees looking for a foot in the door to get involved behind the scenes.

The Edinburgh-set crime thriller series first burst onto screens last year, with Matthew Goode playing grouchy detective Carl Morck leading a gang of outcast investigators looking into historic cold cases.

Other stars who appeared in series one included Leah Byrne, Alexej Manvelov, Chloe Pirrie, Kelly MacDonald, Kate Dickie, Shirley Henderson, Mark Bonnar and Jamie Sives.

Matthew Goode in season one of Dept Q on Netflix. | Netflix

The show was renewed for a second series in August 2025 and filming is set to commence this summer.

There is now a chance to get involved with production of the new series with the Dept Q Training Programme, supported by Screen Scotland, Sony Pictures Television, and Netflix.

The Dept. Q Training Programme will see the recruitment of up to 20 trainees across various behind-the-scenes departments, including camera/video, costume, lighting, SFX, sound, make-up, construction and many more.

Chloe Pirrie and Mark Bonnar as lawyers in Dept. Q, Netflix's Scottish adaptation of Jussi-Alder Olsen's Scandi Noir series. | Netflix

Screen Scotland said: “As a trainee, you will be learning from some of the finest technicians and creatives working in the film and television industry.

“The experience of training within a real filming environment will create a strong platform for trainees to embark on successful careers within this industry.”

Placements will last approximately five to six months depending on the role and trainees will be paid salaries of £750 per week, inclusive of holiday pay.

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No formal qualifications are required for the available roles, but applicants must be over 18 years old, be eligible to work in the UK, and normally be a resident in Scotland.

Applicants must also have basic understanding of the film and TV industry, no more than 12 months paid experience within their chosen department and preferably have a full clean driving licence.

Applications for the Dept Q. Training Programme close at 9am on Wednesday, April 29. For more information and to apply, you can visit the Screen Scotland website.