Skillset Workforce Survey 2003
The first Skillset Workforce Survey was conducted in 2003 and included nearly 2,000 employees and freelancers within the UK audio visual industries. According to the Skillset Workforce Survey 2003, despite a highly qualified workforce, almost two-thirds reported training needs. 9 out of 10 who sought training reported barriers to receiving it including availability of information and cost of courses.
The majority of people working in television, radio and interactive media in the UK are graduates. 66% of the audio visual workforce are qualified to degree level compared to 16% of the UK workforce as a whole. The highest percentage (81%) of graduates in any one sector can be found in the three interactive media sectors - web design, CD Rom production and computer games. 24% of the workforce as a whole has a post graduate qualification and of the majority of the workforce educated to degree level, one quarter holds a media studies degree.
Most are aged under 35 and few have dependents; 62% are aged under 35 with just 8% aged over 50. 82% are based in England, nearly half (47%) in London; and only one in five has any dependents. Overall representation of women (39%), minority ethnic groups (6%) and disabled people (3%) remains low with only 28% of the workforce as a whole reporting entry to the industry via an advertisement. The majority secured their first job through less formal channels: a friend, relative or by direct contact with an employer.
Clive Jones, Chief Executive of ITV News Group and Skillset Chair, said:
“The results confirm that we have at our disposal one of the most qualified workforces in the UK. But ours is a business characterised by constant change. Those working in the media industries need to be continually developing their skills to keep up with those changes and keep us, as an industry, ahead of the game. The survey also highlights that the majority got their first step on the career ladder through nepotism and contacts. This has to change. Access to the industry for people from all walks of life must be improved or we risk alienating our diverse audiences. A better structure of career progression, for which skills and talent development is a key factor, will also help with retention levels which are flagged as a concern in the results.”
Download the full report here:
Workforce Survey Report 2003For more information on our research work, please visit Skillset's Research pages.
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