Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership

The third meeting of the Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership saw updates on several clear actions designed to move the skills agenda for the sector in Berkshire forward. Hosted on April 23rd by d&b Solutions in Reading, we were able to experience a demonstration of their innovative ‘Soundscape’ technology, being used in venues around the world to give a unique listening experience. The meeting was built around updates on the clear actions established across the first two meetings of the group. These actions are now well established and are having a real impact on helping to meet the skills needs of the sector locally. Work includes new curriculum development to build courses that meet the up-to-date needs of the sector. This includes new courses in hair and make-up for screen and TV as well as the T level in Media, Production and Broadcast. The partnership includes input from the awarding body VTCT on hair and make-up and from Activate Learning and The Kennet School on the new T Level. Collaboration with employers is essential for this T Level to work, as it includes 45 days of work experience built into the course. There is the potential to achieve this through a range of employers coming together to offer several days of experience and students moving around them.

A ‘Train the Trainer’ programme is close to completion by Resource Productions, working with Activate Learning, Windsor Forest Colleges Group and Reading Economic and Destination Agency. The programme will allow staff in a variety of settings to be better able to explain the roles and opportunities available in the industry, which are often far broader than people realise. This includes the need to electrical and carpentry skills as well specialist approaches to human resources management, finances, and leadership & management. Reading University is undertaking research on what skills and knowledge are needed around self-employment. This is often one of the commonest forms of employment in the sector, but it is an area people need upskilling in, so they feel more confident with this way of making a living. The group is also working on developing apprenticeships that will work for the sector. Windsor Forest Colleges Group will be starting two of these in September – Production Assistant and Content Creator. Employers are being sourced to take on apprentices in these areas. The apprenticeships will be run from the colleges’ new Screen Industries Hub, partly funded by the Local Skills Improvement Fund and co-developed with ‘CUBE’ a local video and animation production company. There will also be action taking place on sustainability goals for the sector and the skills companies need in the workforce to move this forward.