Creative Industries
The creative industries are a major national and regional employer and a significant contributor to the economy.
They account for over 6 per cent of gross value added - around £60 billion. Export earnings are around £16 billion a year - about four per cent of total exports and some two million jobs.
Employment in the sector is characterized by a high number of SMEs and freelance personnel working in areas such as:
-
Graphic Design and Advertising
-
Film, video, television and radio production
-
Performing arts and Music
-
Computer and video games
-
Fashion and Textiles
-
Publishing
Our college and university partners offer courses leading to awards at various levels in these subject areas. For learners, creative industries represent a popular yet highly competitive and diverse sector, and they must match creativity and talent with strong business and entrepreneurial skills.
Progress South Central works closely with its partners to support a variety of activities which will enhance opportunities for prospective creative industries learners in our region.
Key Projects include:
-
The Creative Industries Forum - a twice yearly event that brings specialists from higher and further education together with practitioners, employers and other creative industries stakeholders to debate critical issues for the sector. The objective being to enhance awareness and inform curriculum development.
-
Funding to enable our partners to undertake feasibility studies and curriculum development projects which will create new courses and opportunities. Currently six new Foundation degrees are in development to complement recently validated FdA Radio Production and FdA Musical Theatre.
-
Progression Agreements - we are working with colleges, universities and other organisations to establish clear, coherent and guaranteed pathways for progression into and through higher education aimed at the vocational learner.
.
Our Sectors
Key Contact
To contribute to or benefit from our work in this sector please contact Godfrey Smith, Development Manager, on 0118 378 2334, or at g.j.smith@reading.ac.uk