Photo Imaging sector asked for views on skills strategy
Tuesday 15th November 2005
Skillset has called for the Photo Imaging industry to feedback on its skills strategy for the sector. Using the latest online consultation software, individuals and companies can give their thoughts on the key skills issues for the sector and whether Skillset's strategy addresses them.
To give your views on the strategy visit:
www.skillset.org/photo/strategy
The skills strategy defines the Photo Imaging sector and its workforce, examines skills needs both now and in the future, examines whether these needs are being met and proposes solutions and recommendations for the future health of the industry.
The strategy was developed in consultation with the sector but it is now that the wider industry needs to give their views. The strategy will, in the future, become part of Skillset's Sector Skills Agreement to be agreed with government and funders and will influence the skills funding landscape for the Photo Imaging sector throughout the UK for many years to come.
Nigel McNaught, Director of Operations at the PMA and Skillset Board Member, said :
"This skills strategy has been six months in the making and we have consulted widely with all the key players in Photo Imaging. However, for it to be a real success and make a sustainable difference to the skills supply for our industry we need feedback from people throughout the sector. I urge the industry to get involved and give us their views."
Eric Strange of Dawson Strange Photography, said :
"Our industry faces many challenges, the rise of digital technologies and associated skill needs, being just one of them. If we are to address these skills issues we need a cross-sector, flexible skills strategy that works for everyone. Skillset has worked hard towards developing that strategy but we need to make sure it's right, that's why this consultation is so important for the future of our workforce and livelihoods."
Some of the broad trends and key skills issues identified by the strategy are:
- an urgent requirement to raise the level of digital skills and awareness throughout the sector
- training solutions need to be more flexible, modular and easily accessible
shortages of high level digital skills and understanding at senior magement level - an oversupply of Photographers coming into the industry
- post-entry skills acquisition is primarily through "on the job" training or self-study
- although vocational qualifications are generally considered useful, experience is more highly valued
- graduate entrants are often not fully equipped to meet the needs of the industry
- there is an urgent need to raise the profile of the industry as a whole and in particular of its varied career opportunities
Visit: www.skillset.org/photo/strategy to provide your feedback
ENDS
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE
Eve Ragout
eve@skillset.org
020 7520 5752
07968 010 325
Notes to Editor
1. Skillset is the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual 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.
