Qualifications

There are approximately 1200 accredited qualifications for the creative and cultural sector in England alone. There is widespread non-accredited training and short course provision. These qualifications and courses are being offered by around 30,000 providers and awarded by 23 Awarding Bodies across the UK

There are a host of issues relating to qualifications in the creative and cultural sector. Creative & Cultural Skills is working hard with our employers, awarding bodies, regulatory authorities, education providers and our other stakeholders. This is to ensure those qualifications that exist, and those that are newly developed, for entry into or use in the creative and cultural sector, meet the needs of both employers and individuals.

One way we will do this, where appropriate, is ensure qualifications are derived from industry-approved National Occupational Standards (NOS).

Where good practice exists, we will build on it. Where training is recognised by industry we will collaborate. Where it doesn't we will innovate by developing new career pathways, providing opportunities for talented, motivated and creative individuals. The Creative & Media Diploma is one of the first five new lines of learning which will be available to learners aged 14-19 from September, 2008. Read more here

Creative & Cultural Skills is currently writing our Sector Qualifications Strategy (SQS). This is an action plan that outlines the education and training needs of our employers and will seek to shape and influence qualifications at all levels, including HE, improving the match between learning supply and employment demand. Read more here