Launch of TV Skills Strategy to shape industry's future

The Television Skills Strategy and Action Plan, developed by Skillset in consultation with the television industry, has been launched by Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism Shaun Woodward.
The TV Skills Strategy covers all skills, education and business development needs of the industry, provides an up-to-date picture of the skills and talent needs and patterns in the sector, and outlines exactly how the television industry, the Government's public agencies and Skillset will work together to take forward action to address the issues identified within the UK's television industry, for both the existing workforce and new entrants.
Speaking at the industry launch event at BAFTA in London, Shaun Woodward said: "I am impressed by the way the industry has worked through Skillset to develop the TV Skills Strategy. And I will be taking a keen interest in the industry turning this strategy into action over the next few years. I am delighted to announce that applications to become a Skillset Academy open today. The establishment of a network of centres of excellence will provide the right mix of creative and commercial skills vital in influencing and developing tomorrow's TV talent."
As concerns about the lowering of professional standards rise, the vast majority of people now enter the industry as freelancers, without the benefit of structured development. They gain skills, knowledge and experience in a largely ad-hoc fashion and, despite a highly qualified workforce, several skills gaps and shortages have been identified. The television industry recognises that collaborative action is effective in enabling it to address structural issues which affect the sector, and there are already a range of positive initiatives underway.
To date over 800 new entrants have directly benefited from Skillset's support of around 1000 training and development schemes, and the channelling of £20 million investment in the TV workforce's skills development over the past 10 years. Visit Case Studies for case studies of how some young individuals benefited.
In developing the Strategy Skillset's aim has been to provide an initial overview of the size and shape of the television industry, to identify the main skills issues facing the sector, including any particular national or regional differences, and report on how these are currently being met. Informed by this, we have suggested a number of solutions and made recommendations aimed at Skillset, the industry and Government and its public agencies.
(GB)