Skillset Launches Careers Service For Audio Visual Sector

Skillset has announced the launch of a new industry endorsed careers service aimed at new entrants and experienced freelancers working in Northern Ireland's audio visual industries.
This award-winning careers guidance service will be delivered by working professionals from the media industry in Northern Ireland who have been trained as Skillset Careers Advisors. This pilot service is funded through the Department of Employment and Learning (DEL) and includes access to free one-to-one careers guidance or advice via the phone or e-mail.
"I am delighted to welcome this new initiative which will provide accessible and relevant advice and support for those freelancing in the media and those who wish to get a step on the ladder," comments Mairéad Regan, UTV Media and Skillset Board Member. "Three Skillset Careers Advisors based in Belfast will deliver one-to-one guidance to clients. They come from different areas within the audio visual industries and will be advising clients on areas such as careers in film, TV and interactive media."
"It's great to have locally-based industry advisors on hand to offer one-to-one sessions to media professionals in Northern Ireland. We are very pleased to see DEL supporting such industry-led initiatives," said Cecilia McAllister, Skillset's Northern Ireland Manager.
The advisors include Vincent Kinnaird, a Director/Producer with experience of both the film and TV industries Maeve McAdam, a Creative Director/Producer of an award-winning animation series and Interactive Media Production specialist, Mairin Murray.
One-to-one sessions give clients the opportunity to have an in-depth, confidential discussion about their career with someone who has firsthand industry knowledge.
Skillset has been running this quality assured, award winning service in the rest of the UK for eight years and has achieved the Matrix Quality Standard in Advice and Guidance and the TUC union learn Quality Award. The one-to-one guidance service is aimed at those with some experience and knowledge of the industry, while free phone helpline and e-mail services are available to students and those at pre-entry level.
"The expansion of our careers service to Northern Ireland demonstrates how Skillset strives to improve our UK-wide careers service and aims to develop world class talent within the UK's audio visual and publishing industries," concluded Dinah Caine, CEO of Skillset.
More information about these services is available on Skillset's website: www.skillset.org
(DS/JM)