Skillset support Interactive Media research

For the first time ever research is to be carried out to discover the true picture of employment in the interactive media sector.
500 companies will be consulted in a targeted nationwide telephone survey to identify skill gaps, recruitment difficulties, training issues and in what area(s) people are actually working, within the interactive media sector.
The Digital Content Forum, the employer-led body for the interactive media sector, is working with Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the Audio Visual Industries, and the Publishing National Training Organisation on this vital research in order to plan their future work in this sector and inform their training initiatives. The cross section of 500 companies has been selected from areas such as web design, CD-ROM production, computer games, on-line publishing and interactive TV and will include regional representation.
Anthony Lilley, Chair of the Digital Content Forum, said: “Due to its recent emergence and growth the interactive media sector is one of the most important sectors in the UK economy, yet one of the most difficult to chart, identify and address skills gaps and shortages. There are major concerns about the availability of skilled labour to meet the growing demands of the industry, such as the roll out of broadband. I urge any company who is contacted to take part in this important project for the interactive media sector, we need your views.”
Dinah Caine, Chief Executive of Skillset, said: “This is the first ever research specifically into skills in the interactive media sector and will give us solid labour market information with which develop future policy. Interactive media has seen some tough times recently but is now an integral part of the audio visual industries, this research will help the industry plan its next phase of development.”
Prior to the telephone survey a review of existing research took place along with qualitative interviews with employers who are currently or potentially involved in the development or production of services for delivery of broadband.
The research will be used to inform dialogue with Further and Higher Education to ultimately improve the supply of new entrants into the sector; help create mechanisms to increase communication around sectoral skills issues; inform policy of the Digital Content Forum, Skillset and Publishing NTO; and generate a detailed and accurate map of job roles within the area of digital content creation.
(GB)