4/12/09

Cutting-edge training programme set to boost Welsh Creative Media Industries

Additional support for those working in the Welsh Creative Media Industries has arrived in the form of a cutting-edge training programme, formed by Skillset Cymru, Skillset Screen Academy Wales and the newly created Skillset Media Academy Wales.

The Skillset Academi+ programme will provide targeted training and careers advice for Welsh production companies, freelancers and new entrants.  The concept for the programme draws on hard evidence produced by Skillset Cymru on the impact of both the recession and rate of change in digital technology on the Creative Media sector in Wales. 

The research has highlighted the need for targeted support for the types of skills needed to boost employability. The 18-month programme will enable companies and individuals at all stages of their careers to improve their existing technical and business skills or to re-skill for the digital age.

Skillset Academi+ project coordinator, Sue Jeffries, is a well-known Welsh freelance Producer, Director and Industry Trainer.  Drawing on her own industry experience to drive the programme, she said: “The content of our courses has been shaped by feedback from industry practitioners on priority skills gaps and training needs. Skillset Academi+ will draw in training from industry professionals, the academic partners and other training providers, which will provide a unique opportunity for those working within the industry in Wales.”

The Skillset Academi+ scheme is a collaboration between Skillset Cymru, Skillset Screen Academy Wales and its partners (University of Glamorgan; University of Wales, Newport; Swansea Metropolitan University and The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama), as well as the Skillset Media Academy consortia partners; University of Aberystwyth and The Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.

Together, this higher education partnership will ensure an even focus on film, television, interactive media, radio, broadcast journalism, games, animation and business development.  Many of the courses will be offered in collaboration with recognised training providers, while others have been developed in-house by the higher education partners.  Courses will be hosted across Wales and a percentage will be offered in Welsh.

Screen Academy Wales project manager, Hannah Raybould said: “Skillset Academi+ is an exciting new venture for this partnership.  It aims to address the skills and training needs of the creative media industries in Wales at a time of immense technological change and economic instability.

“Access to quick and efficient training and career advice and guidance that is led by industry will enable new entrants and freelancers to develop new skills for sustainable employment and help companies develop new business models and revenue streams.”

For further information log on to www.skillsetacademiplus.org

Skillset Academi+ Tender for Courses

Have you considered proposing a course? First deadline 4th January 2010

You will need to name your potential partners even if the partnership is yet to be confirmed.  Your partnership with higher education institutions should include, where appropriate,

• Access to your course for a limited number of tutors from HE
• A standalone masterclass or event to run parallel to the workshop (at no extra cost), for people not attending the actual course
• The potential for future validation of the course into a HE programme
• Use of facilities offered by institutions, as in kind investment from Skillset Academi+

Courses can be (and not limited to)

• one day workshops
• long-term programmes led via seminars, e-learning and mentoring
• A series of workshops held through evening and weekend sessions
• Intensive week long labs
• Structured training via work placements

Courses should be aimed at industry professionals with various levels of experience, and please note we are not prioritising courses aimed at new entrants to the industry at this time.

Although it is not essential to have match funding in place, we will prioritise those courses which already have an element of match funding, particularly those courses with larger budgetary requirements.  Our funding is limited and we hope to support a varied range of courses, but please note that any funding request of over £20,000 must go out to formal tender.  Prior approval of the course by a guild or other body would be an advantage.

We welcome courses delivered through the Welsh language, and those with a broad geographical base.

It is important that proposed courses meet a high proportion of the above guidelines.

There is a rolling process for submission of applications. Applications submitted prior to 5pm on January 4th 2010 will be considered on the 15th January 2010.  We intend to consider further applications every six weeks.

Prior to submitting your online application, any queries should be directed to Sue Jeffries, Skillset Academi+ Co-ordinator, via email sue@skillsetacademiplus.org or phone 02920 480 456.