Page 43 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan

3.3 Creative Industries
Defining the Sector
A skilled workforce and a culture of creativity and entrepreneurship have contributed to the Creative Industries sector being the fastest growing in Wales. The sector is diverse, encompassing the following sub-sectors; advertising and marketing, architecture, crafts, product, graphic and fashion design, film, TV, video, radio and photography, IT, software and computer services, publishing, museums, galleries and libraries, music, performing and visual arts.
Across the region of South West and Mid Wales the sector employs approximately 12,100 people, an increase of 31% since 2006.
3.3.1 Employer Evidence
Recruitment and Retention
According to employer evidence there are two types of individuals employed within the Creative Industries sector; creative people and the deliverers of that creativity. Although the sector is a popular one with learners it is difficult to recruit individuals with the talent needed. This is a mix of both generally not having the desired skills within the region and not being able to recruit those individuals when they have the skills.
The careers advice given in schools is not fit for purpose with regards to relaying the vast range of opportunities within the sector. There are a number of specialist and interesting roles that learners are not aware of due to a lack of guidance. More needs to be done to ensure this advice is timely and truly representative of the sector, this could encourage more individuals to pursue a career in the sector.
Suitability of Skills Provision
The sector is fast paced and rapidly changing, with employers indicating that this creates challenges in the availability of provision that reflect these advancements. As a result, training is not meeting industry needs and therefore an over-reliance on large companies to up-skill and train individuals has emerged. This further substantiates the need for provision to be influenced by employers and industry themselves and not academics.
There is a need to introduce work experience back into schools and also into current FE and HE training provision. This would provide learners with that much needed practical experience which is overlooked. Examples of good practice where practical work based learning is paramount are the BBC, ITV and NFTS academies.
Opportunities and Challenges
A talent database detailing skills and knowledge would be beneficial to employers looking to recruit new staff and talent.
Likewise, promoting the use of Welsh Language in the sector is an opportunity both in terms of up-skilling individuals and also strengthening culture and further developing the sector’s identity in Wales.
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Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Sector Profiles