RESEARCH PROJECT TO EXPLORE THE FUTURE SKILLS NEEDS OF THE DIGITAL/CREATIVE MEDIA INDUSTRIES IN WALE

Descriptions

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media (which comprises TV, film, radio, interactive media, animation, computer games, facilities, photo imaging, publishing, advertising and fashion & textiles) is the strategic body, licensed by government and endorsed by industry, to develop the skills, training and education policy for the Creative Media Industries. Skillset Cymru, the Welsh arm of the council, is tasked with taking forward Skillset’s work within a Welsh context.Skillset Cymru has secured support from the Welsh Assembly Government's Sector Priorities Fund Pilot (SPFP) to deliver this research project. The aim of the project is to identify the future skills needs of the Digital/Creative Media sector in Wales over the next 5 – 10 years and ensure that the Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) sector in Wales can respond quickly and flexibly to the ever changing skills needs of the Digital/Creative Media industries, identified as one of six priority sectors in the Welsh Assembly Government's recently published Economic Renewal Programme (ERP).This research project also responds to other recent policy announcements by the Welsh Assembly Government, where an increased focus is being placed on developing and prioritising the Digital/Creative Media industries and ensuring the education system in Wales is adequately prepared to meet this sector's needs. Skillset Cymru is collaborating closely with the Welsh Assembly Government to take forward the recommendations of its newly published Creative Industries Strategy. Again, a key recommendation of the education and skills section of that strategy is that training provision should be more aligned to employer needs. This research will inform future FE and HE provision and curriculum development for the Digital/Creative Media sector, ensuring that employer needs are being addressed.The research project is supported and approved by Skillset Cymru's National Board, which includes representation from BBC Wales, ITV, S4C, the independent TV production sector, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Film Agency for Wales (FAW), the trade union BECTU, trade associations TAC and Pact, and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW).Skillet Cymru is looking to contract with an independent consultant or agency to identify drivers of change and likely implications on demand for skills in the Creative Media Industries in Wales. Please refer to Tender Specification document uploaded below.