The digital and creative sector is expected to need 1.2 million new workers by 2022; equivalent to half the current workforce, according to training body Creative Skillset.
The unprecedented growth was outlined in the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) report, ‘Sector insights, skills challenges in the digital and creative sector’. In order to meet this level of growth, fairer access to job opportunities and training is essential. The report demanded that the digital and creative sectors speak to a wider field of potential recruits with different educational and professional backgrounds. Creative Skillset aims to empower the creative industries to develop skills and talent by influencing and shaping policy, ensuring quality and by securing investment for individuals and businesses.
Outside of IT and tech, the creative digital sector is formed overwhelmingly of small businesses and has high levels of freelancers, characterised by informal recruitment and barriers to training.
“With a growing workforce, ensuring fair access is an absolute priority for our industries,” said Creative Skillset chief executive Dinah Caine CBE. “That’s why we’ve launched Hiive, a professional networking site for the creative community.”
“No matter what background you come from or whether you’re a film maker, photographer, games developer, an apprentice, a school leaver, a graduate or a digital design veteran, Hiive has the right mix of tools and resources to help you start or further your career.”
Powered by Creative Skillset and with startup co-investment from UKCES, Hiive has gained over 23,000 members since its launch in March. It provides information on accessing the industries, including apprenticeships. This month will also see the launch of Creative Skillset’s Trainee Finder, a service that matches trainees with companies across the UK’s animation, games, film, high-end TV and VFX industries on the platform .
Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy Ed Vaizey commented: “The latest report from UKCES confirms how important diverse talent is for these fast growing sectors, and initiatives like Hiive and the work of Creative Skillset have already made great strides in championing fairer access and training in the creative industries.”
