Netflix and PGGB launch trainee scheme for Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent accountants

A new iteration of Netflix and PGGB’s successful NAPATS (Netflix Assistant Production Accountant Training Scheme) opens from 12th September 2025 and for the first time, will solely focus on applications from Deaf, Disabled and Neurodivergent (DDN) accountants who are looking to move into the film and television industry. 

The original programme (APATS) was founded more than 20 years ago by PGGB. Since 2018 it has been in partnership with Netflix and is a fully funded, year-long training programme for five trainees led by experienced industry professionals.

Applicants need to have academic or vocational accounting experience and a passion for film and TV.  The programme offers a paid 12 month contract consisting of 5 weeks' classroom training, followed by placements on a Netflix production, where trainees gain practical experience and a clear route into future roles either at Netflix or in the wider film and TV industry.

Between 2001 and 2018, 85 individuals were trained across 13 APATS courses. From 2018 to 2025, a further 49 completed NAPATs, building on the programme’s legacy. Alumni have gone on to contribute to major productions including Bridgerton, My Oxford Year, and Supacell. 

Kelly Phillips, VP of EMEA Studio Finance at Netflix said: “Production accountants are essential to ensuring our content is produced efficiently and smoothly. Yet, Deaf, Disabled, and Neurodivergent individuals remain underrepresented in these vital roles. This year, we are committed to tackling that on Netflix shows. We’re thrilled to partner once again with PGGB and look forward to welcoming the 2026 trainees to our upcoming productions, making our industry more inclusive and dynamic than ever before.”

Kaye Elliott, CEO, PGGB commented: “In the 20 years since PGGB first launched the Assistant Production Accountant Training Programme, our industry has rightly continued to evolve into a more open, diverse, and inclusive space. I’m proud that the 2026 programme reflects this ongoing transformation, with a clear and focused commitment to supporting DDN talent to open doors into Assistant Production Accountant roles.”

Louise Black completed the first NAPATs in 2018 and currently works in the production finance team at Netflix. “I feel a tingle of pride each time I hear the NAPATS course mentioned; it gave me so much and continues to bring new, unexpected opportunities into my life. It's the relationships I made as a result of participating in the scheme that have really changed my life. The people who trained me are now trusted colleagues and thought-partners”.

Emma Crowhurst completed APATS XII in 2017 and was recently 1st Assistant Production Accountant on Thursday Murder Club. Emma said: “APATS is by far one of the best decisions I have ever made. It allowed me access to an exciting industry that I would have struggled to enter without the contacts/knowledge I obtained during the course. The opportunities in Film/TV are endless, whether you want to work on smaller productions or large-scale, big-budget features; this course gives you the solid foundation for them all.”

The NAPATS programme will be supported by the organisation Access All Areas, who support, train and mentor learning disabled and autistic people across the creative landscape.

Applications will close on 4th November. The course begins on 25th February 2026. Applicants can apply via this link https://productionguild.com/training-courses/upcoming-courses/napats-2026/