Open Door Media Awards Launched for Ethnic Minorities
New Skillset scheme to improve representation in media industries
Wednesday 14th September 2005
A new scheme to improve diversity in the media industries has been launched by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries.
The Skillset Open Door Award offers talented individuals from ethnic minority communities a grant to make a short film, produce a radio programme or design and build a website.
Successful applicants will also receive high quality industry training, work experience, mentoring and careers guidance.
40 people over 2 years will benefit from the scheme which is designed to improve diversity in the media industries where ethnic minorities are currently under-represented.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said:
“The Skillset Open Door Award is a launchpad for talented people wanting to pursue a career in the media. We want applications from anyone with a story to tell and the passion and drive to work in one of the fastest moving and competitive industries in the UK. Past participants in similar schemes run by Skillset have gone on to work for ITV, MTV and BBC 1xtra to name just a few. Diversity is a top priority for Skillset and for the industry which recognises it needs to attract and nurture talent from all backgrounds to remain culturally relevant and commercially successful.”
Skillset’s 2004 Census found that just 7% of the audio visual workforce is from an ethnic minority. By comparison, 8% of the population of working age in the UK and 35% of those in inner London (where more than half the industry is based) are ethnic minorities.
For more information and an application form visit www.skillset.org
or email opendoor@skillset.org
The deadline for applications is Friday 30 September 2005
A key element of the scheme is to assist people seeking full time employment and such applications are particularly welcome.
The Skillset Open Door Award is funded by the European Social Fund, the London Development Agency and the BBC.
-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. The London Development Agency: the Mayor's agency for business and jobsThe LDA prepares the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities. The LDA is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.
Wednesday 14th September 2005
A new scheme to improve diversity in the media industries has been launched by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries.
The Skillset Open Door Award offers talented individuals from ethnic minority communities a grant to make a short film, produce a radio programme or design and build a website.
Successful applicants will also receive high quality industry training, work experience, mentoring and careers guidance.
40 people over 2 years will benefit from the scheme which is designed to improve diversity in the media industries where ethnic minorities are currently under-represented.
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said:
“The Skillset Open Door Award is a launchpad for talented people wanting to pursue a career in the media. We want applications from anyone with a story to tell and the passion and drive to work in one of the fastest moving and competitive industries in the UK. Past participants in similar schemes run by Skillset have gone on to work for ITV, MTV and BBC 1xtra to name just a few. Diversity is a top priority for Skillset and for the industry which recognises it needs to attract and nurture talent from all backgrounds to remain culturally relevant and commercially successful.”
Skillset’s 2004 Census found that just 7% of the audio visual workforce is from an ethnic minority. By comparison, 8% of the population of working age in the UK and 35% of those in inner London (where more than half the industry is based) are ethnic minorities.
For more information and an application form visit www.skillset.org
or email opendoor@skillset.org
The deadline for applications is Friday 30 September 2005
A key element of the scheme is to assist people seeking full time employment and such applications are particularly welcome.
The Skillset Open Door Award is funded by the European Social Fund, the London Development Agency and the BBC.
-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. The London Development Agency: the Mayor's agency for business and jobsThe LDA prepares the Mayor's business plan for London and mobilises the support and resources of hundreds of partner organisations to help build a thriving economy for London's people, businesses and communities. The LDA is dedicated to improving sustainability, health and equality of opportunity for Londoners.
