Creative industries to invest in development of skills

Businesses from the creative sector are to invest 17 million pounds into developing world-class skills and talent, boosting the multimillion-pound package pledged by the government. The 500 creative firms, led by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset, have pledged to match

the 16 million pounds fund announced by business secretary Vince Cable last week at the Create UK launch to develop and drive education and skills. In addition, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and the Department for Education have committed a further 4 million pounds, which brings the total to 37 million pounds.

The fund, which will be managed by Creative Skillset on behalf of more than 500 employers and partners, will deliver a number of “ground-breaking” initiatives across the creative industries, including fashion and textiles.

Sir Charlie Mayfield, chair of the UK Commission for Employment and Skills and John Lewis Partnership, said: “Industrial partnerships highlight all the essential features of employers taking ownership of their skills needs. They are a vehicle for collective leadership and collaborative working.

“I am delighted to be part of the launch of this creative partnership highlighting the potential of what can be achieved by employers and partners working together, and with the government, to lead the development of the skills they need for growth.”

Creative industries invest 37 million pounds in skills development

Skills and enterprise minister Matthew Hancock MP, added: “Our creative industries are a source of national pride, as well as a vibrant part of our economy. There are 1.7 million jobs in the Creative Industries - that's 5 percent of UK total.

“Five years ago there were virtually no apprentices in the creative industries - there are now over 4,200. In order to ensure this positive change continues we are empowering employers to play an active role in workforce development.”

Hancock added: “Everyone in our country - no matter who they are - should have the chance to reach the highest ranks in the creative industries as well as every other part of our national life. This Government funding will be key to helping people break into and progress within the creative industries – spreading opportunity and enhancing social mobility.”

The investment is the successful result of a bid to the second round of the Employer Ownership Pilot, which has been developed to respond to, and help drive, the education and skills recommendations of the Creative Industries Council’s strategy, Create UK.

Creative Skillset is the industry skills body for the creative industries, the organisation doesn’t just provide help for the fashion and textiles sector, but also across film, television, radio, animation, games, visual effects, publishing, advertising and marketing communications.

Image: Creative Skillset