Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership

An engaged audience attended the first Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership (WDP) meeting held at the state-of-the-art Shinfield Studios. The session began with an insightful update from Anna Gration, LSIP Lead, on the Screen Industries recruitment challenges and skills gaps identified within the published Berkshire LSIP report.

There was much agreement from the delegates that the findings resonate with the multiple skills needs seen on the ground, including upskilling both allied trades and professions who work closely with screen industries as well as the need for clearer career routes.

With employers, providers, and partners in the room the WDP Chair, Dominique Unsworth, led a stimulating breakout session where priorities for focus were identified and employers committed to be part of the solution to the skills challenge.

The WDP objective to foster dialogue, exchange ideas and promote collaboration was certainly achieved at this first session. Several employers pro-actively took up the call to arms and there were offers of meeting, event and training space, work experience, mentoring and masterclasses as well as proposals for tours and question and answer sessions to take place.