80% Discount for London Freelancers
Friday 20th May 2005
80% discount for London freelancers
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council, has secured £900,000 funding for freelancers in London to access animation, broadcast and interactive media training courses.
700 freelancers will benefit by having 80% of the course cost funded.
The first round of courses starts in May 2005 and will be delivered by four training providers: BBC Academy; 01zero-one; Escape Studios; and VET.
Details of how to qualify and apply can be found at: www.skillset.org
This initiative is funded by the European Social Fund and co-financed by Pan-London Learning and Skills Council.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said:
“This is a fast paced industry characterised by constant change which means there is a very real need for the workforce to continually develop their portfolio of skills. But our research has shown that many freelancers in particular have difficulty accessing skills development with cost cited as a major barrier. Now that Skillset has secured this extra funding we can offer freelancers in London a helping hand which will have a positive impact both on their individual career prospects and longevity and on the industry as a whole.”
-ENDS-
For more information please contact the 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.
2. VET is a leading industry training provider with an excellent reputation for current, accurate and accessible short courses. We teach in small groups on the latest equipment with the best tutors. This funding via Skillset will provide training for freelances in key areas: Avid Adrenaline; DV Camera Operation; combined shooting and editing courses using DV and Avid or Final Cut Pro; and web-based video. Our course designers and tutors are highly experienced, working professionals with a real understanding of the issues facing the industry today.
3. 01zero-one is a unique facility for creative learning, skills development and networking in the heart of Soho; www.01zero-one.co.uk . It services London’s TV, Film, Post Production and New Media industries by offering short courses, networks, talks, events, showcases and private hire facilities to industry freelancers, employees and new entrants. Membership to its InSync network is free, with it members get 10% discount off all our 01zero-one courses and invitations to its network events. 01zero-one's facilities include two multimedia rooms, Avid & Mac video editing, TV Studio, a creative workshop/brainstorming room and flexible space for workshops, seminars, exhibitions and events. Its Patrons are the Rt Hon Chris Smith and Michael Grade CBE. 01zero-one is part of Westminster Kingsway College and is funded by the London Development Agency. The initiative has been developed with support from the Learning and Skills Council and in consultation with Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual industries.
4. Escape Studios provides professional training, software and consultancy to the CG industries. Offering a range of training solutions to beginners and professionals alike, Escape has established itself as a centre of excellence for the digital creative community.
5. BBC Academy is responsible for training and development across the BBC and the broadcast industry covering areas like television, radio, new media and broadcast engineering. During 2004 the division delivered a total of 11,214 formal courses for over 32,000 people inside and outside the BBC as well as 2,500 training days to over 300 organisations worldwide and to more than 250 freelancers.