Collaborative Agreement to Realign Audio-Visual Qualifications

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The UKs audio-visual industry received welcome news last week when Skillset and City & Guilds announced that they intend to realign industry qualifications and develop a cohesive framework with clear career pathways that allow audio-visual professionals to progress within their specialist field.

Skillset is the Sector Skills Council (SSC) for the audio-visual industries, which comprise broadcast, film, video, interactive media and photo imaging. Jointly funded by those industries and the Government its job is to make sure that the UK audio-visual industries have the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time, so that the industry remains competitive.

Collaborative Agreement

In a collaborative agreement, both organisations have agreed to develop a full range of vocational qualifications that meet the changing needs and priorities of the industry and bridge gaps in the existing provision. Specialist qualifications for grips, crane operators and lighting technicians are being devised whilst City & Guilds Level 3 Media Techniques will now be reviewed annually to accommodate technical changes and it will be expanded to cover further occupational areas.

Skillset and City & Guilds have identified several key priority areas following a comprehensive review of the qualifications market. By pooling their resources, both organisations aim to respond to a need for occupationally specific qualifications in discrete occupational areas as well as tackle the lack of awareness that new entrants into the profession have of industry needs.

Change for a Fast Moving Sector

Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: “Our sector is fast-moving and has many specialisms. It has identified that it needs tailored, flexible qualifications to meet industry need and it has tasked us with leading on this development. City & Guilds is the ideal strategic partner for this development and I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

Chris Humphries, director-general of City & Guilds stated: “If the UKs audio visual industry is set to enjoy continued economic growth and gain a global reputation for excellence based on high level craft, technical and creative skills, it needs to be supported by qualifications and training that serve the diverse nature of the industry and accommodate sector growth.”

Michael Lloyd

What are the next qualification changes for AV? Tell us in the FE Blog

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