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Photo Imaging

6 Meeting the Need

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Meeting the Need

More research is needed to provide an accurate picture of current education and training provision for the Photo Imaging sector, and of the industry's perceptions of this provision. Although Skillset's recent supply-side research44 in this respect has shed considerable light on this area, nevertheless much of the data available relates to the wider audio-visual industries.

The following is therefore reported, based on:
  • The research we have that is specific to the Photo Imaging sector45
  • Findings from research into the wider audio-visual industries that we consider to be applicable to this sector
  • Consultation with industry practitioners and stakeholders
At present, the industry's skills needs are largely addressed by industry itself, with responsibility for maintaining or acquiring skills frequently falling on individuals. Most often, this is done through post-entry skills acquisition, on which employers tend to place a significant degree of importance46 . This is typically in the form of in-house training sessions (usually conducted by other members of staff), mentoring from colleagues, on-the-job learning, or self-directed study.

Keeping up to date with the latest technology and developments tends to be done informally, by reading specialist industry magazines or books, and using the Internet. It should be noted that formal in-house training tends to be more prevalent amongst larger companies, while smaller ones tend to train on an ad-hoc basis.

Manufacturers have traditionally been a source of training within the industry. However, this has reduced drastically in recent years, although some of the more proactive Manufacturers do provide ongoing learning support, linked to equipment purchase. This is likely to provide them with long-term benefits in terms of customer loyalty, but will also help the industry to meet some of its training needs and is therefore to be encouraged. However, there are obstacles to this in terms of disruption to production and other costs, such as travel and accommodation. In addition the rapid pace of change and equipment development means that product-related training tends to be an on-going, never-ending process


44   Overview and Analysis of Training and Vocational Education Provision, 2004, Pye Tait for Skillset, September 2004

45  In particular, Photo Imaging Employer Survey 2005, Pye Tait for Skillset, September 2005

46  Photo Imaging Employer Survey 2005, Pye Tait for Skillset, September 2005
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