News & Events

1.2 million workers needed across creative and digital sectors by 2022

The report titled Sector Insights, Skills Challenges in the digital and creative sector outlines the level of growth needed, an expected 1.2 million new workers, equivalent to half the current workforce.

The creative industries skills and training body Creative Skillset has accepted the challenges of this unprecedented growth and, in order to meet them, is working to create fairer access to job opportunities and training.

The report insists that the digital and creative sectors reach out to a wider field of potential recruits with different educational and professional backgrounds.

Dinah Caine, Creative Skillset chief executive said, ′With a growing workforce, ensuring fair access is an absolute priority for our industries. That′s why we′ve launched Hiive , a professional networking site for the creative community.′

Since its launch in March Hiive has over 23,000 members and is still growing. Powered by Creative Skillset and with start-up co-investment from UKCES, the site provides information on accessing the creative industries.

By the end of June the site will also host Creative Skillset Trainee Finder , a service which matches trainees and companies across the UK′s animation, games, film and TV industries.

′No matter what background you come from, whether you′re a film maker, photographer, games developer, graduate, school leaver or even a digital design veteran, Hiive has the right mix of tools to help you start or further your career,′ adds Dinah.

The minister for culture and digital economy, Ed Vaizey said, ′The latest report from UKCES confirms how important diverse talent is for these fast-growing sectors, and initiatives like Hiive and the work of Creative Skillset have already made great strides in championing fairer access in the creative industries.′