Annual Report 2008
with local colleges, universities and private sector training providers to provide training led by working industry professionals. CC Skills received support from the Learning and Skills Council to set up the NSA in May 2008. The NSA in England will also link with the proposed Technical Theatre Skills Academy in Scotland and the Centre of Excellence initiative in Wales as well as forging international links: there is already a link with the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing. The Creative Blueprint revealed a shortage of 30,000 technical staff and the need to replace and expand the current workforce by 2013 including supporting the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympic Games. The NSA will address the urgent skills shortages in theatre and live music. The NSA is made up of a network of employers and colleges throughout England. It is supported by the LSC, Arts Council England, the Regional Development Agencies (particularly in the Thames Gateway) as well as the trades unions, the Association of Colleges and industry bodies such as the Independent Theatre Council, the Society of London Theatres and the Professional Lighting and Sound Association. CC Skills are committed to finding 400 Creative Apprenticeships places in England for new starters in our sector plus piloting the qualification and programme in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The Creative Apprenticeships is a new alternative route into the creative industries, one based on ability and potential rather than academic track record or social background and contacts. It is a mix of on the job and off the job training where young people have the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge and attain qualifications while doing so. These qualifications are designed and approved by industry. On-the-job learning is a significant component of the Creative Apprenticeship. The Creative Apprenticeship consists of a vocational qualification at level 2 or 3 and a theory based qualification at level 2 or 3. Key skills in Maths and English are embedded within the Creative Apprenticeship so apprentices can achieve Key skills certificates. Creative Apprenticeship pathways (leading to the achievement of the vocational qualification) will be offered in the following areas: • Live Events & Promotion • Music Business (Recording Industry) • Technical Theatre (Rigging, Lighting & Sound) • Costume & Wardrobe • Cultural and Heritage Venue Operations • Community Arts Management Launched officially in September 2008, the Creative Apprenticeships is the first industry approved and government funded apprenticeship framework for the creative and cultural industries. Creative Choices is the first online service to provide the tools, knowledge and networks to support every individual and business to get in, and get on in, the creative industries and cultural sector. Creative Choices helps those who want to enter the creative industries to make a more informed choice about where they are going, and how to get there. Creative Choices is useful both for those trying to get into our sectors and for those who already are, and want to develop their career or business further. In partnership with Arts Council England CC skills is involved in delivering the Cultural Leadership programme which aims to embed a culture of support and development for leaders in the sector, building on existing practice, addressing current gaps in provision, learning lessons from other sectors and countries, and ensuring that this initial investment delivers a sound basis for long-term change in business leadership skills development. The programme specifically aims to make significant progress in enhancing the diversity of current and future leaders, with a particular focus on leaders from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds.
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