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Creative Industries Minister Launches New Vision for TV industry
The broadcast industries are valuable commodities in the UK economy contributing £6.2bn in 2003 – an increase from £3.5bn in 1997. The estimated total revenue from the sale of UK TV programmes internationally was £632 million in 2005, an increase of 21% from 2004. And despite a highly qualified workforce – Skillset’s recently published Workforce Survey shows that 69% are graduates compared to 16% of the UK workforce as a whole – there are significant skills gaps and shortages. Also, although the industry is oversubscribed in terms of new entrants, industry feedback consistently highlights a lack of skills and industry awareness amongst entry level staff. The informal recruitment methods relied upon within the industry have also led to challenges in ensuring a diverse workforce.
Shaun Woodward MP, Minister for Creative Industries and Tourism, speaking at the industry launch event at BAFTA in London, said: "Any industry's greatest resource is its people. The new TV Skills Strategy will ensure that the broadcasting industry develops the talent and creativity of its workforce to maintain the UK's position on the global stage. There has already been good progress, notably the agreement between Ofcom, Skillset and the industry to deliver a new co-regulatory framework through the establishment of the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator (BTSR). And I’m pleased to welcome the agreement reached by the BBC and Skillset to develop a memorandum of understanding to clearly identify the further strategic development of the BBC’s training and skills policy for the wider industry, as called for by the Government in the recent BBC White Paper.
"I am particularly pleased to announce that applications to become a Skillset Academy open today. This network of centres of excellence will provide the right mix of creative and commercial skills which are vital in influencing and developing tomorrow's TV talent. This Skillset Academy Network will cement lasting relationships between industry and further and higher education institutions for mutual benefit."
The TV Skills Strategy covers all skills, education and business development needs of the industry and identifies priority areas for action for both the existing workforce and new entrants ranging from developing a new creative and media diploma for 14-19 year olds and establishing Skillset Academies to an induction programme for junior staff and an industry agreed formula for investing in freelancers.
John McVay, chief executive of Pact, and Chair of the TV Skills Strategy Committee, made up of industry representatives, which guides Skillset’s work in television, said: “Success for all businesses across the industry – small, medium and large –producers and broadcasters is directly related to how we nurture and develop the skills and talent in our workforce. Creativity and quality are our greatest assets in a global market. This strategy ensures that we will continue to invest across our industry from new entrants to new skills for experienced professionals. The strategy has engaged all parts of the industry and it is their commitment and determination to ensure that it delivers that will make the difference.”
Clive Jones, chair of Skillset and chief executive, ITV News and Regions. said: “Our ability to thrive commercially runs parallel with the skills and abilities of individuals in the workforce. Investing in them and their ongoing professional development is one of the most positive impacts we can have on our industry’s performance and growth.”
Dinah Caine, chief executive of Skillset, said: “The TV Skills Strategy helps underpin the success of the industry on a range of fronts. With industry wide backing and increased investment we can support more businesses and individuals in accessing skills development tailored to their specific needs. The strategy also plays a significant role in improving diversity of the workforce. The ultimate benefit being industry gets the best talent available from a wider cross section of the UK which more accurately reflects the make up of today’s diverse audiences.”
5th July 2006
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