Skillset Award Approved Status to Photo Imaging Training Providers
Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Creative Media Industries, has introduced a unique endorsement scheme for training providers in the photo imaging industry. For the first time six private companies have been awarded Skillset approved status validating the digital skills training that they offer.
Through research within the sector, a significant skills gap was identified in the use of digital technology. This needed addressing for the benefit of those employed at all levels in photography, image producing, picture libraries and photo retail. The industry came together through Skillset giving validation to the beacon of excellence that Skillset have awarded for digital skills training with these chosen organisations.
The year long process saw training organisations shortlisted and evaluated against a rigorous criteria drawn up in consultation with industry alongside independent evaluation of the tuition on offer.
Rob Oliver, Director of the Photo Imaging Council (PIC) comments "This is a great development. The Skillset approval ensures a clear benchmark of standards for training and guarantees that the providers are credible and established giving high quality teaching and addressing industry requirements."
The six approved providers (with immediate effect), who will retain their accreditation for a period of three years, are:
- Colour Therapy, London.
- Electric Lane, London
- Peak District Photography Centre, Buxton, Derbyshire.
- Photofusion, London
- Symbiosis, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.
- Transmedia, London and Bristol.
Pippa Walkley, Photo Imaging Manager for Skillset, "We are confident that these companies can offer the best possible training on courses that are well taught and offer value for money. Learning how to make the best use of the technology available can save time and money and make any business more profitable."
ENDS
SKILLSET PRESS OFFICE:020 7713 9812
press@skillset.org
Notes to Editors
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. For more information visit: www.skillset.org
2. Further information on Skillset approved training providers:
Colour Therapy offers training in digital workflow and is run by award winning advertising photographers Bob Marchant and Christopher Gonta. Their core business is colour critical advertising and editorial photography and their studio based training helps build custom colour management solutions for accurate and predictable image reproduction from photography through to press
The studio runs many digital camera systems from DSLRs through to high end digital view cameras, as well as image manipulation/post production systems, colour profiling systems and proofing devices all within a fully colour managed environment. For more information visit: Colour Therapy
Electric Lane's mission is to ‘make your images work for you'.
They focus on the jobs people do, and train photographers, picture researchers, designers, picture libraries, and not for profit organisations – or anyone handling or producing images as part of their work. The content is always tailored to the needs of the participants and topics can include: understanding digital files, quality control, use of metadata, productive scanning, colour correction, colour management, advanced image correction, image library digital workflow, use of images in design and pre–press. The training is generally company–based, and can be delivered in–house or at outside venues, working with companies of all sizes and also individuals. For more information visit: Electric Lane
The Peak District Photography Centre employs a team of professional photographic tutors dedicated to providing first class tuition to those digital photographers who feel that they would benefit from professional guidance.
They offer courses from beginner to professional level in Digital Imaging (Photoshop) and Colour Management as well as courses in photographic techniques and camera use, digital wedding and portraiture.
Class sizes are small (max of 7) to ensure dedicated tuition and there are two tutors on hand for all courses. The digital suite has a dedicated workstation for each participant and there is also a fully equipped portrait studio. For more information visit: Peak Photo Centre
Photofusion is London's largest independent photography resource centre, with a contemporary gallery space, darkrooms, studio, digital imaging training suite, picture library, agency and ongoing photo–art education programme for professional, student and amateur photographers.
Their aim is to promote a ladder of educational opportunity through courses, workshops and seminars. Moving increasingly into the field of training for disenchanted young people who may have been alienated by formal education, they are working in collaboration with a number of community and arts organisations to help people access arts training and gain skills for the workplace.
Photofusion now offers expanded digital and darkroom facilities and improved disability access in order to offer artists the best possible facilities for innovative arts production and to take full advantage of the developments of digital media. For more information visit: Photofusion
West Midlands based Symbiosis has been a training provider for over 10 years and are authorised by both Adobe and Apple. All of their trainers have industry accreditation and they offer courses customers from all over the UK, both on–site and at their training facility in Leamington Spa.
Their aim is to provide great training, at competitive prices, from an easily accessed location. Their commitment to delivering high quality courses is reflected in the small class size, with no more than 8 on a course and by the use of accredited course material. They believe training should be an enjoyable experience and offer an effective mix, from their well equipped, air conditioned training rooms, right down to the in–house catering. For more information visit: Symbiosis
Transmedia courses combine a relaxed, friendly learning environment with uncompromising, high training standards. Their approach has led major software manufacturers to award them accreditation status. They are an Authorised Training Centre for Adobe, Apple, Extensis, FileMaker, Newtek and Quark Systems. With training centres in London and Bristol, they enjoy a reputation for inspirational trainers who help imaging, print and broadcasting professionals maximise their skills in the tools that win them work and prestige. For more information visit: Transmedia