National Skills Day Fever Sweeps Media Industries
Friday 27th May 2005
National Skills Day fever sweeps Media industries
More than 100 companies across the UK took part in the first ever National Skills Day for the audio visual industries held yesterday.
Over 300 diverse and innovative events were staged to promote skills development and it is estimated that more than 5000 individuals took part in activities marking the day which included a Dr Who master class; from tramp to vamp makeovers with Nicky Hamilton-Jones; job shadowing on screen talent; steadicam workshops; silicon lifecasting; graffiti montages; salsa dancing; stage fighting; and learning how to play the ukulele.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the creative media industries, said:
“The response to the first ever National Skills Day has been overwhelming. Companies across the UK have jumped at the chance to be part of an industry wide event that puts skills centre stage. It’s extremely positive to see so many organisations seizing the opportunity to promote skills development for their staff giving them access to such a diverse and innovative array of activities. It really has helped to focus attention on the importance of continual professional development to the success of businesses and the need to make it a priority all year round.”
National Skills Day also played host to the Broadcast Young Talent Awards in association with Skillset which was held at the National Film Theatre last night (Thursday 26 May). The awards recognise the best young TV and film production talent. IWC Media won the Company Talent Development Award for their commitment to structured quality training.
National Skills Day is organised by Skillset, Broadcast, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five, Pact and BECTU.
For more information on the events that took place visit www.skillset.org/nationalskillsday
-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 Creative Media Industries covering Broadcast, Film, Video, Interactive Media and Photo Imaging. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are licensed by the Secretary of State for Education and Skills and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. 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. Supporters of National Skills Day - The following organisations have pledged their support to National Skills Day in terms of activities and involvement throughout the coming year:- Royal Television Society, Film Distributor’s Association, BAFTA, Guild of Location Managers, British Screen Advisory Council, Women In Film and Television, Writers Guild of Great Britain, IVCA, SMG plc, Guild of Television Cameramen, EM-Media, ASPEC, S4C, BKSTS, Equity, Director’s Guild of Great Britain, Northern Ireland Film and Television Commission, Film London, Society of Television Lighting Directors, Ulster Television, The Production Guild of Great Britain, South West Screen, Scottish Screen, Screen South, Screen West Midlands, Screen Yorkshire, Screen South, Media Training North West, Welsh Independent Producers, Institute of Video Technology, National Film and Television School, RDF Media, CRCA, GWR Radio, Virgin Radio, Chrysalis Radio, Scottish Holdings Media, Research Centre for Television and Interactivity, Red Kite Productions, Soho Editors, Picture Canning Company.
3. Quotes from Partners
"Channel 4 is really excited by National Skills Day, as it presents a fantastic opportunity to recognise, across the industry, the importance of skills and talent development in our workforce by generating some really interesting and innovative learning opportunities."
Alec McPhedran, Training and Development Manager, Channel 4
"National Skills Day is long overdue. This industry should share what it has to offer with prospective employees both young and old. It is an exciting industry going through massive change, using a highly skilled and competent workforce. The BBC is in full support of National Skills Day and hopes to play a major role in its implementation."
Nigel Paine, Head Training and Development, BBC
“We are proud to support the work of Skillset. As a broadcaster that relies upon talent, both in the independent production community and in our own employees, we are committed to initiatives that help to develop and nurture skills. National Skills Day gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the value of skills development and to focus upon how we can strive to achieve more in this important area.”
Karen Caddick, Head of Human Resources, five tv
“Broadcast is pleased to be behind the launch of National Skills Day and will be providing extensive support and coverage in the next year. There is a clear need for improved skills training across the whole industry and National Skills day will be instrumental in meeting that need.”
Jon Baker, Publishing Director, Broadcast
“The importance of skills to the industry is something Skillset has been campaigning on for over a decade. To us, it is something which pre-occupies us every single day. In jointly developing the concept of National Skills Day we hope to raise the profile and importance of the impact of skills on individual, company and industry performance. It may be one day a year, but it is a day that will lead to many new and innovative approaches to skills development being spawned that we believe will have a lasting impact. “
Gary Townsend, Executive Director Communications & Public Affairs, Skillset
