Skillset receive Sector Skills Council status

Industry chiefs from film, television, radio, video and interactive media sectors gathered at the Café Royal on March 11 to watch Skillset receive their licence as the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries.
Skillset are the first to receive a Sector Skills Council (SSC) licence from Government and one of only five organisations selected as ‘trailblazers’, to set an example to those in other industry sectors seeking to apply for SSC status.
After awarding the Sector Skills Council licence to Skillset, John Healey, Minister for Adult Skills, said: “I am pleased to award Skillset its licence to operate as a Sector Skills Council. It can now officially start leading the drive to boost skills and workforce development in the audio-visual industries in its new, enhanced role.”
The Minister went on to pledge £1 million per year to Skillset to help the organisation fulfil their strategic role to raise UK skills and productivity in the Audio Visual industries. He continued: “As an organisation with an excellent track record and one of the first five trailblazers, I know Skillset will set an example to other employment sectors in providing tangible benefits to the industry it serves. I want it to identify the skills needs and provide a clear action plan to tackle them.
“I am looking forward to Skillset working with Government and our partners to influence education and training provision so they better fit the demand of the industry.”
Sector Skills Councils are responsible for working with governments and industry to: Reduce skills gaps and shortages; Improve productivity, business and public service performance; Increase opportunities to boost the skills and productivity of everyone in the sector’s workforce, including action on equal opportunities; Improve learning supply, including apprenticeships, higher education and national occupational standards.
Skillset, www.skillset.org
(GB)