First ever National Skills Day for media industries announced

The first ever National Skills Day for the Audio Visual Industries will take place on Thursday May 26 2005.
Skillset, Broadcast, BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five, BSkyB, Pact and BECTU have joined forces to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of skills, development and career progression to the future of the industry.
National Skills Day is an opportunity for the entire industry to focus on skills and highlights the need to continually develop the highly skilled workforce on which the industry depends.
Renowned Director Lord Puttnam said: “Partnership is the key to the success of National Skills Day. Commitment is essential throughout the industry to really hammer home the message that skills and training are critical to the future development of the audio-visual industries.
"I am enormously encouraged by the support we have already received for this initiative. Creative and innovative schemes such as Comedy Workshops at the BBC and Bollywood dancing at Channel 4 reflect the talent and diversity of people working in the industry. Now is an ideal time for other organisations to get involved with National Skills Day, to help ensure that the event has the widest possible impact.”
As part of National Skills Day, on the evening of Thursday May 26 the Broadcast Young Talent Awards in association with Skillset will take place at the National Film Theatre.
The Awards recognise the best young TV and film production talent.
For further details visit www.broadcastnow.co.uk/youngtalentawards
(SP)