David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 chief executive, believes the initiative will have a positive impact on Scotland's media industry for years to come.

"Sunset Vine and Global TV, Glasgow 2014's Host Broadcaster, will showcase the XX Commonwealth Games to the world," he said.

"In doing so, they will implement a training initiative that not only delivers great coverage of the Games, but makes an investment in Scotland's media industry by creating opportunities for hundreds of students who will gain valuable skills and experience at a vital time in the beginning of their careers.

"Its positive impact promises to be felt for many years to come."

Students will be given world-class training prior to the Commonwealth Games with the hope that some can use this training to work at events throughout the Games

The initiative will be jointly managed by Sunset+Vine and Global TV (SVGTV), host broadcasters for Glasgow 2014, and Creative Loop, Scotland's talent development hub for the creative media industries.

Jeff Foulser, Chairman of Sunset+Vine, hopes training given to students prior to the Games will give them the skills to be "deployed" when events get under way.

"The HBTI will see participating students given real skills training in how to use the latest Outside Broadcast hardware equipment and technology, as well as real work experience in live broadcast, creative production," he said.

"The intention is that these students will reach sufficient proficiency through their pre-Games education to be deployed during the Games itself, providing an invaluable skills legacy for the broadcast and television production industry in Scotland beyond Glasgow 2014."

As well as announcing the financial support for the initiative, Scotland's Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop, met some of the students involved and unveiled the new Outside Broadcast truck which will be used during Glasgow 2014.

"Working at Scotland's biggest ever sporting event will be an exciting and rewarding experience for these students," said Hyslop.

"The benefits for Scotland are a new generation of talent, giving Scottish firms a wider pool of experienced staff to cover other major sporting or music events.

"There will also be a greater ability for our colleges to teach new skills in the creative industries.

"That is a tremendous, tangible and long lasting legacy from hosting the Games."

Scotland's Culture secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the funding for the initiative and unveiled the Outside Broadcast truck students may work with at the Commonwealth Games



Educational institutes involved in the initiative include Dundee and Angus College, North East Scotland College, Edinburgh College, West College Scotland, Perth College UHI, Glasgow Clyde College, Glasgow Kelvin College, City of Glasgow College, Fife College, Edinburgh Napier University, University of Stirling, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of West of Scotland.

Student Andrew Richardson, 22, is taking the Masters course in broadcast journalism at the Hamilton Campus of the University of West of Scotland.

"Sport is a massive part of my life, so the chance to work at the Commonwealth Games with the HBTI is a fantastic opportunity," he said.

"For those who are just starting out and trying to break into the industry, it's the first step on the ladder and a foot in the door.

"Not many students in broadcasting are lucky enough to experience such an important event coming to their home town as they try to develop a career."

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