Overview of the issue

In the creative and cultural industries, having good experience and learning on the job is a fundamental principle. Very few people enter these jobs with a complete portfolio of skills. As a result, many of the industries point out the value of work-based learning, continuing professional development which means they value courses that cater to this.

Currently, a number of factors are missing those wanting to join the creative and cultural industries:

• There is a lack of knowledge concerning the types of skills needed to succeed in the sector
• Occupational pathways in the industry are either non existent, unclear or overly complicated
• There is a lack of objective, impartial advice for learners making decisions regarding which courses and qualification are right for the jobs they want to do

There is an oversupply of courses, providers and learners studying for a qualification in the sector for very few new jobs.

Often a period volunteering is required in order to gain a foot in the door. This unstructured, unpaid, or low paid work leads to a sector that does not accurately reflect the diversity of society in the UK.

Demand side evidence

• 56% of businesses facing recruitment difficulties said that applicants lacked the right skills for the job they were applying for
• 33% of businesses facing recruitment difficulties said that applicants lacked experience
• 11% of businesses facing recruitment difficulties said that applicants lacked the right qualifications
• Creative roles lacked the most applicants with the right skills

Supply side evidence

• In 2004/5 there were 180,000 courses in a creative and cultural related field. There were 31,000 course providers and over half a million students at FE and HE level studying in the sector.
• In 2005, not taking into account replacement jobs, there were only 6,000 new vacancies advertised in the creative and cultural industries