Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership

This was the fourth meeting of the Screen Industries Workforce Development Partnership, containing a core of committed employers from across the sector along with a good range of training providers and wider partners. Hosted on July 16th at Shinfield Studios in Reading, the meeting was built around taking the clear set of actions for the group to the next level in terms of impact. Work includes new curriculum development to create 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 and there is real momentum behind this, with several employers keen to take students into their workplaces. 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. This will allow staff in various settings to better explain the roles and opportunities available in the industry, which are often far broader than people realise. This includes the need for electrical and carpentry skills as well as specialist approaches to human resources management, finances, and leadership & management.

Reading University is researching what skills and knowledge are needed around self-employment and building confidence in this. The research will feed into policy advocacy with the new government. 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, with the group helping employers navigate the complexity of the apprenticeship system and building confidence in taking them on. There will also be action on sustainability goals for the sector and the skills companies need in the workforce to move this forward. This will take the form of a pilot group undertaking a carbon literacy course, being sourced and coordinated by New Directions College.