17 June 2010

The 5th National ‘Supporting Creative Industries’ Conference took place at the Barbican on June 15th. Supported by Creative & Cultural Skills, DCMS, BIS, Universities UK, Skillset and the Association of Colleges, the conference attracted over 150 representatives from the education sector. They discussed how, during a challenging time in the UK’s economy, the creative and cultural industries, Higher Education and Further Education could make a real contribution to job creation and economic growth.

Will Hutton and Lord Taylor of Warwick were amongst the speakers who spoke passionately in support of the creative sector, and called for the education system to back its potential. The conference heard best-practice examples from leading universities and further education colleges, including Fintan Donohue, AoC Skills Champion for Creative and Cultural Industries, who has led a key partnership with our National Skills Academy.

Caroline Felton, our new Chief Executive, opened the conference with a call for better partnership working between HE, FE and the creative sector. While the education sector is working hard to improve employability, there is more work to be done to ensure that provision is relevant to industry needs. The new coalition Government backs this view with their investment in Apprenticeships and support for Sector Skills Councils, giving employers a central role.

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For more information on this press release please contact Catherine Large, Director, External Relations, 0207 015 1800. Catherine.Large@ccskills.org.uk

Notes to editors:

Creative & Cultural Skills is the sector skills council for the creative and cultural industries. Our remit includes craft, cultural heritage, design, literature, music, performing arts and visual arts across the UK. Creative & Cultural Skills was granted a new licence to operate in January 2010.

Creative & Cultural Skills is a member of the Alliance of Sector Skills Councils. Together we oversee the strategic development of the workforce in our industries and deliver realistic solutions to skills needs. For further information please visit www.ccskills.org.uk.