4.1 Transferable Skills
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Transferable Skills
Transferable skills needed in the Photo Imaging sector are:
Numeracy and business skills are particularly important in an industry dominated by small companies and sole traders, and undergoing significant changes. An ability to negotiate contracts and rates, make sales, plan and manage finances, and respond to market conditions is vital. Time management and an ability to work to deadlines are also crucial.
ICT literacy is increasingly important for an industry now so reliant on digital technology. Basic knowledge of computers and electronic equipment, and of general office and creative software, serves as a foundation both for the use of digital technology and for the lifelong learning necessary to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
The ability to use the Web and E-mail in day-to-day business, and especially for research tasks, is becoming increasingly important. In addition, a broad understanding of the Internet, the opportunities it offers and the implications it presents, is useful - especially for those businesses commissioning their own web site; they need to know what to ask for and what to expect, in order to ensure their site genuinely supports the business and is not a waste of money. For practicing photographers, a sound knowledge of web site design and management is essential.
Being aware of Health and Safety legislation, knowing which regulations apply to a given type of business, and being able to work within them, is essential, especially in the light of the adoption of digital technology. Even sole traders - who are not bound by the same regulations as larger companies - must be aware that they may need to demonstrate compliance with regulations when working on-site for a larger organisation, and therefore may still need a Health and Safety policy.
Electrical safety and the legal requirement for PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) checks of equipment (such as lighting) is particularly important for Photographers, while computer-related health and safety is increasingly relevant across the industry.
Creativity is perhaps the most important, albeit possibly the least tangible, skill. The Photo Imaging sector is fundamentally a creative industry, in which even the most technical roles still require a degree of creative flair. Having 'vision' and being able to originate ideas are crucial skills.
Transferable Skills
Transferable skills needed in the Photo Imaging sector are:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Basic communication skills
- People / interpersonal skills
- General business skills and commercial acumen
- Time management
- Problem solving
- ICT (Information and Communications Technology) literacy
- Visual literacy
- Understanding of Internet technologies and capabilities
- Appreciation of health and safety issues and ability to comply with regulations and guidelines
- Creativity
Numeracy and business skills are particularly important in an industry dominated by small companies and sole traders, and undergoing significant changes. An ability to negotiate contracts and rates, make sales, plan and manage finances, and respond to market conditions is vital. Time management and an ability to work to deadlines are also crucial.
ICT literacy is increasingly important for an industry now so reliant on digital technology. Basic knowledge of computers and electronic equipment, and of general office and creative software, serves as a foundation both for the use of digital technology and for the lifelong learning necessary to maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills.
The ability to use the Web and E-mail in day-to-day business, and especially for research tasks, is becoming increasingly important. In addition, a broad understanding of the Internet, the opportunities it offers and the implications it presents, is useful - especially for those businesses commissioning their own web site; they need to know what to ask for and what to expect, in order to ensure their site genuinely supports the business and is not a waste of money. For practicing photographers, a sound knowledge of web site design and management is essential.
Being aware of Health and Safety legislation, knowing which regulations apply to a given type of business, and being able to work within them, is essential, especially in the light of the adoption of digital technology. Even sole traders - who are not bound by the same regulations as larger companies - must be aware that they may need to demonstrate compliance with regulations when working on-site for a larger organisation, and therefore may still need a Health and Safety policy.
Electrical safety and the legal requirement for PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) checks of equipment (such as lighting) is particularly important for Photographers, while computer-related health and safety is increasingly relevant across the industry.
Creativity is perhaps the most important, albeit possibly the least tangible, skill. The Photo Imaging sector is fundamentally a creative industry, in which even the most technical roles still require a degree of creative flair. Having 'vision' and being able to originate ideas are crucial skills.
