£4 million to boost diversity in creative industries

Skills and Enterprise Minister Matthew Hancock today (14 July 2014) announced a further £4 million of funding to match industry investment, in a major boost to the creative industries. The project will see nearly 300 black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) young people recruited into living wage internships. The interns will gain first-hand experience with 150 employers from across the sector with opportunities ranging from training on the sets of shows like EastEnders and Holby City to assisting with curating an exhibition at the South Bank Centre. Young people will attend monthly masterclasses where they can meet and learn from industry leaders. The project will help more than 3,000 young people develop CVs, draft applications and prepare for interviews.

The project, which will be delivered by the charity Creative Access and skills body Creative Skillset, has been launched as part of the successful bid submitted by Channel 4 on behalf of the creative industries for the Employer Ownership of Skills Pilot, a £340 million competitive bidding fund that invited employers over 2 rounds to tell government how they would better use public investment, alongside their own to invest in the skills of their current and future workforce. The fund is for England only. It is jointly funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education (DfE).

Speaking at an event hosted by Channel 4 and Creative Skillset to celebrate the launch of the project, Matthew Hancock said, "Our creative industries are a source of national pride, as well as a vibrant part of our economy. There are 1.7 million jobs in the creative industries - that’s 5% of UK total - with 1 in 10 graduates employed in the industry. Five years ago there were virtually no apprentices in the creative industries - there are now over 4,200. In order to ensure this positive change continues we are empowering employers to play an active role in workforce development."

"Everyone in our country - no matter who they are - should have the chance to reach the highest ranks in the creative industries as well as every other part of our national life. This £4 million fund will be key to helping people break into and progress within the creative industries – spreading opportunity and enhancing social mobility."

This project will also provide bespoke bursaries for 900 people to support their progression to senior and influential levels in the creative industries. The training bursaries will be made available for traditionally underrepresented employees and freelancers working in the creative industries including black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. The funding will support tailored training, mentoring and expert career advice that will help individuals to take the best next step in their careers and progress in their chosen field.

The news follows the announcement earlier this month of £16 million of co-investment to develop the current and future creative workforce supporting the Creative Industries Council’s new industry strategy. The strategy, outlines a plan for businesses and government to work together to maintain the UK’s position as a world leader for the creative industries.

The sector plays a key role in a thriving UK economy. To view the full report and strategy, visit www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk.