Skillset develops Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship for 2012 London Olympics
23 March 2010
Skillset is forging a groundbreaking new route into the media industries with the launch of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media this spring.
The development of the Apprenticeship has been funded by the London Development Agency to help London's diverse communities enter the industry, with a view to supporting the range of media activities needed for the London 2012 Games. The Apprenticeship programme, which has been developed by Skillset with support from the National Apprenticeship Service, will be piloted in London, the North West and the South West of England, and will be available nation-wide beyond 2012.
Skillset's chief executive, Dinah Caine, said: "The Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media will allow media companies to tailor the training and development of their new recruits to suit their individual needs in this rapidly changing industry. As the programme is still in its early stages, it is also an excellent opportunity for employers to take a leading role in shaping the Apprenticeship for the future."
Now Skillset is calling for expressions of interest from any media companies from these three regions who are interested in being a part of the first phase of this exciting new qualification. Media companies will be able to take on young talent who are then trained to meet the specific needs of the company over a 10-18 month period.
This is a brilliant opportunity for media companies from right across the sector to play a pivotal role in training and developing one of their employees of the future.
The BBC has already created an apprenticeship programme which leads to a Creative and Digital Media Apprenticeship Level 3 qualification. Over the next three years, to 2012, year-long apprenticeships will provide on the job training across BBC Vision Productions, alongside a study and training programme delivered by the BBC Academy in partnership with Westminster Kingsway College.
Anne Morrison, Director BBC Academy said:
"We are delighted to be launching our first apprenticeship scheme in London specifically aimed at people who want to gain a qualification whilst working rather than through the traditional university-based route. BBC 2012 - London Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to kick-start a career in the media for people who may never have thought the BBC was for them."
With the National Apprenticeship Service fully funding the training for any apprentices between the ages of 16-18 and covering 50% of the training costs for those aged between 19-25, the Apprenticeship is also a cost-effective way for employers to access the brightest new talent and equip them with the skills they will need to make the best possible contribution to their company's in the future.
Developed for employers by employers, the apprentice's journey will consist of a series of small chunks of learning and assessment, each designed to nurture the apprentice to the industry's requirements. It will be a combination of off-the-job training and real work that grounds the apprentice, tests their skills and provides support for both employer and apprentice along the way. On completing the scheme, the apprentice will have achieved a standard equivalent to A Levels and can progress into higher education, other employment or continue with their current employment.
Employers who wish to find out more about the Advanced Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media should contact Skillset's Qualifications Co-ordinator, Ben Jones at benj@skillset.org.
For more information contact:
Skillset press and PR officer Nick Sheridan on 020 713 9854 or nicks@skillset.org
Out-of-hours: 07827 989 330.
Notes to Editors:
- Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for Creative Media which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging and publishing. SSCs are licensed by the UK Government and by Ministers in the devolved administrations to tackle the skills and productivity challenge by sector. They are independent, UK-wide organisations, are employer-led, and actively involve trade unions, professional bodies and other stakeholders in the industry.