Continuing exploration of perpetual education in the creative sector, segment 2: proposed remedies

Continuing exploration of perpetual education in the creative sector, segment 2: proposed remedies

In this revamped blog post, our Industry Champions delve into the ongoing challenges and potential solutions regarding lifelong learning for creatives in various industries. As they explore possible approaches, they emphasize the importance of local and regional efforts, recognizing that one-size-fits-all national policies may not cater to the unique needs of different creative sectors and communities.

National-level considerations

Industry Champions proposed that national governments could promote up-front investments in skills development and long-term planning rather than short-term, politically motivated interventions. However, they acknowledged that not all creative employers might align with national-level policy goals, as they can seem abstract and disconnected from immediate sector needs. Instead, they suggested tailoring policy design to address place and sector-specific needs, complemented by macro-level assessments of skills challenges.

One potential model for subsidizing creatives to upskill was the Dutch government's Creative Industries Fund NL. Other Champions advocated for schemes like attaching learning and development requirements to live projects receiving public funding.

Keeping it local

A more regional approach to skills provision could yield better outcomes for workers, with examples such as London's Good Work Standard and Manchester's Good Employment Charter serving as possible models. These programs place a special focus on involving creative industries firms, offering accreditation and embedding skills development within their operation.

Some Champions put forth the idea of place-based approaches to internships, where aspiring creatives could gain experience in multiple local firms pooling their resources. Another fascinating idea was utilizing civic spaces as learning and training hubs, fostering community collaboration around supporting lifelong learning. However, appropriate subsidies for access to studios and other learning spaces were emphasized, particularly considering many such spaces, like museums and galleries, have become commercialized due to tight budgets.

For these initiatives to succeed, champions emphasized the need for strong coordinated training opportunities, with combined authorities taking the lead. Smaller firms and microbusinesses, which make up a significant portion of the creative sector, are especially relevant in this context.

Creative education

Creative education intersects with the broader conversation around its nature and role across the UK. Champions highlighted examples like the new Welsh curriculum, which embeds creative education and is supported by Arts Council Wales, as something worth keeping an eye on in the coming years. In addition, champions considered ways universities could better engage with the creative industries, such as enabling non-traditional students to access degree-level study through broker organizations matching people with opportunities.

Industry can lead the way

Governments have a crucial role in supporting lifelong learning, but Champions also stressed the importance of creative industries driving change themselves. One key focus was encouraging creative firms to recognize that investing in training offers a competitive edge, builds intellectual property, and fosters employee development, in addition to individual growth.

Self-employed creatives make up a significant portion of the sector, and champions suggested organically developed networks of practice, such as the North East Cultural Freelancers, could play a role in supporting lifelong learning and understanding how these organizations fit within the skills ecosystem.

Conclusion

Regional approaches to skills provision can help drive economic growth, foster talent, and ensure education and training align with industry needs. Champions highlighted a number of innovative regional strategies, offering inspiration for future initiatives. From collaborative networks like the Northern Skills Consortium to flexible apprenticeships, the creative industries are ripe for scalable solutions that bridge the gap between education and employment in the creative sector.

1. National governments could prioritize up-front investments in long-term skills development for various industries, as proposed by the Industry Champions, rather than short-term interventions.
2. The Dutch government's Creative Industries Fund NL is one potential model for subsidizing creatives to upskill, according to the Industry Champions.
3. Regional programs like London's Good Work Standard and Manchester's Good Employment Charter could offer better outcomes for workers in creative industries, with a focus on involving creative firms and offering accreditation.
4. A place-based approach to internships, where aspiring creatives could gain experience in multiple local firms pooling their resources, was suggested as a potential strategy.
5. The use of civic spaces as learning and training hubs, fostering community collaboration, was another idea advocated by some Champions, particularly with appropriate subsidies for access to studios and other learning spaces.
6. The Incident Champions emphasized the need for strong coordinated training opportunities, with combined authorities taking the lead, especially for smaller firms and microbusinesses in the creative sector.
7. The new Welsh curriculum, which embeds creative education and is supported by Arts Council Wales, was highlighted as an example worth watching in the broader conversation around creative education in the UK.

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