Creative Blueprint England
- England has a creative workforce of 480,000 which is 88% of the UK creative workforce
- Creative businesses contribute £21 billion GVA to the UK economy
- By 2014, industry growth of 49,000 jobs is expected
- Two thirds of the jobs will require higher skills
The creative and cultural landscape in England
Across England, the creative and cultural industries have an impact on the lives and the economy of cities, market towns, seaside resorts and villages. Their reach is both local and global, from jewellers to international advertising agencies and they are growing.
‘We’ve always known we have something good to sell – not for nothing do clients at home and abroad seek out UK design’s unique abilities. But that business isn’t ours by right. Other nations are developing their own fast-growing design sectors to match their economic growth. It won’t be long before they are serious rivals. Ignoring them isn’t an option.’ Jonathan Elmwood CEO Elmwood Design and Chair UK Design Skills Alliance
Creative & Cultural Skills: working in England
The Creative Blueprint England is at the heart of our work in England and our research and consultation with industry indentified five challenges:
- technical and specialists skills gaps
- higher skills needed in business and enterprise
- confusion about what training is available and what qualifications are needed
- workforce diversity - 93% of the workforce is white and 62% men -there should be opportunities for everyone
- employers and practitioners need to commit to training.
Education and training context
- England has 93% of the UK Further and Higher Education provision.
- 12% of the businesses in England had difficulties with recruitment and 25% had skills gaps
- 35% of employers had arranged training with their staff
- The majority of businesses do not have a training budget
Information, advice and guidance
Creative Choices is an online portal committed to helping those in the creative and cultural industries reach their full potential.
Creative Apprenticeships
We are piloting an apprenticeship programme for England. Working with employers, stakeholders and colleges. We plan to launch the apprenticeships in April 2009 for a September intake.
Sector Qualifications Strategy
As part of our SQS, we are working with partners in England to ensure that qualififcations meet real employer needs in our sector.
The Creative & Media Diploma was launched in English schools and colleges in September 2008. Creative & Cultural Skills is leading the development of the Humanities Diploma which will be introduced in september 2011.
Training
Cultural Leadership Programme
The Cultural Leadership Programme (CLP) is a Government funded investment in excellence in leadership across the creative and cultural industries. By supporting an ambitious range of activities and opportunities, the programme aims to nurture and develop world class, dynamic and diverse leaders for the 21st Century.
The Cultural Leadership Programme was developed by a Steering Group comprising: Arts Council England, Clore Leadership Programme, Creative & Cultural Skills, Department for Culture, Media and Sport, HM Treasury and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.
National Skills Academy
The National Skills Academy is made up of a network of employers and colleges throughout England. It is supported by the LSC, Arts Council England, the Regional Development Agencies (particularly in the Thames Gateway) as well as the trades unions, the Association of Colleges and industry bodies such as the Independent Theatre Council (TMA), the Society of London Theatres (SoLT), and the Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA).