Digital Changes Expose 'Critical' Skills Gap

The massive impact of digital technology on the publishing world has exposed "critical" skills gaps, a report has revealed.
The report by Skillset, the industry body supporting skills, education and training for the UK's Creative Media Industries, argues that it is vital that staff understand and maximise multi-media and multi-platform content in the UK and internationally.
The Skills Strategy for Publishing, the culmination of year-long research and widespread industry consultation, examines the major challenges facing publishing, its main skills and training issues and what the future holds. It also provides a comprehensive picture of the size and shape of an industry that includes news agency and newspaper publishing, books, journal, magazine and business media, databases and directories.
Levels of literacy among new entrants in publishing is a big concern in an industry where it is critical to editorial quality and commercial success, says the report. This is at a time when traditional core skills like good writing, editing and interviewing are becoming even more important so that customers are prepared to pay for high quality content.
The Skills Strategy for Publishing also found that:

• There is a "desperate" need to develop a better skilled advertising and media sales force, especially with moves to non-traditional online competitors
• It will be critical for freelancers and sole traders to have the latest skills for multi-media and converging technologies. But there are several challenges around how they will pay for and access training
• Employers are finding it harder to recruit due to competition from computer games and other Creative Media industries

Overall, publishing is more highly qualified than the UK generally, although this does vary between different sectors. A total of 45 per cent of the publishing workforce are qualified to degree level or above, compared to the national average of 30%.
Most companies consulted by Skillset provide on-the-job or in-house training.
Gail Rebuck, Skillset Board member and Chairman of Random House Group, said: "The impact of the recession coupled with the phenomenal pace of technological change is having a profound impact on the publishing sector.
"To take advantage of the great opportunities to create and deliver compelling content to educate, engage and entertain readers, the industry needs a workforce capable of combining traditional skills with a new digital and technical capability underpinned by a renewed emphasis on creativity.
"It is important that the industry understands and moves with the market so the skills gap this report has identified does not continue to grow. "
Kate O'Connor, Skillset's Executive Director of Policy and Development, said: "Employers must be able to recruit people with the right skills for the job. Training is far too often one of the first casualties when times are tough, but it is essential that we invest for the future. Staff must develop new digital skills if the industry is to survive and thrive."
The publishing industry has more than 7,000 businesses, employing more than 200,000 people and total annual sales of up to £22 billion.
(KMcA/BMcC)