Animators given incentive to stay in Wales
Press Release
14 November 2003
Animation companies in Wales have joined Skillset and ELWa to launch a new initiative to bolster the industry and encourage talented young Welsh animators to stay in Wales. Five of Wales' most successful animation companies - Oscar nominated Beryl Productions, Siriol - the makers of Fireman Sam, Cinetig, DEEM, and Griffilms, - are involved in the scheme which will give talented welsh trainees structured formal training, provided by Cyfle; 6 month work experience placements; and a chance to earn an industry recognised qualification.
Joanna Quinn of Beryl Productions said:
"The Welsh animation industry is already a dynamic sector but if we are to grow further we must work to obtain commissions from markets outside of the UK in Europe, the Far East and the US. And a workforce with cutting edge, world class business and technical skills is crucial to competing in those markets. This scheme is a collaborative approach to bolster the whole industry. By helping develop individual careers we are helping our own businesses retain the talented employees that will ensure that Wales remains competitive on the global stage."
The trainees selected will learn practical work related skills that employers in the animation industry value and which will help trainees find work in the future. As part of the scheme, trainees will be offered a tax free training allowance of £175 a week; be registered for the relevant Skillset approved NVQ qualification; receive tailored careers advice; be allocated an industry mentor (independent of the production company) and be awarded £1,000 towards specialist training course(s) that will help them further their careers .
The scheme will be managed by Cyfle and funded by the Skillset Freelance Training Fund and ELWa.
The initiative is endorsed by S4C, BBC, HTV, Channel 4, Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru (TAC), PACT, SgrÎn Cymru Wales, BECTU, the WDA and ELWa.
-ENDS-
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.
14 November 2003
Animation companies in Wales have joined Skillset and ELWa to launch a new initiative to bolster the industry and encourage talented young Welsh animators to stay in Wales. Five of Wales' most successful animation companies - Oscar nominated Beryl Productions, Siriol - the makers of Fireman Sam, Cinetig, DEEM, and Griffilms, - are involved in the scheme which will give talented welsh trainees structured formal training, provided by Cyfle; 6 month work experience placements; and a chance to earn an industry recognised qualification.
Joanna Quinn of Beryl Productions said:
"The Welsh animation industry is already a dynamic sector but if we are to grow further we must work to obtain commissions from markets outside of the UK in Europe, the Far East and the US. And a workforce with cutting edge, world class business and technical skills is crucial to competing in those markets. This scheme is a collaborative approach to bolster the whole industry. By helping develop individual careers we are helping our own businesses retain the talented employees that will ensure that Wales remains competitive on the global stage."
The trainees selected will learn practical work related skills that employers in the animation industry value and which will help trainees find work in the future. As part of the scheme, trainees will be offered a tax free training allowance of £175 a week; be registered for the relevant Skillset approved NVQ qualification; receive tailored careers advice; be allocated an industry mentor (independent of the production company) and be awarded £1,000 towards specialist training course(s) that will help them further their careers .
The scheme will be managed by Cyfle and funded by the Skillset Freelance Training Fund and ELWa.
The initiative is endorsed by S4C, BBC, HTV, Channel 4, Teledwyr Annibynnol Cymru (TAC), PACT, SgrÎn Cymru Wales, BECTU, the WDA and ELWa.
-ENDS-
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE: Eve Ragout 020 7520 5752 / 07968 010 325 eve@skillset.org
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries. Audio visual industries in this context means, the Broadcast, Film, Video and Interactive Media Industries. Skillset was the first Sector Skills Council to be licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations in 2002 to tackle the skills and productivity challenge. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are independent, UK wide organisations developed by groups of influential employers in industry or business sectors of economic or strategic significance. SSCs are employer-led and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the sector.