Adult Learners’ Week, taking place this week (18 – 24 May 2013), reinforces that learning is not just limited to young people, but takes place throughout life. It is a great opportunity for individuals and organisations to celebrate the benefits of lifelong learning and to explore the many types of learning available to adults from all walks of life.
Whether you are looking to improve your current job prospects or learn just for fun, or you represent an organisation looking to support staff with continuous development, Adult Learners’ Week could be of interest you. Over 1,400 events will be taking place all across England throughout the week.
The Creative Industries are fast-paced and ever-changing – that’s one big reason why they are such interesting places to work. Technology is always developing and there is a constant need for people working in the industries to update their skills.
You can’t afford to tell yourself that you know everything or that you’ll have a job for life. Whether you are a freelancer or an employee, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) should be a big part of your life plan.
The people who do best – and stay in regular employment – are usually those who embrace change and further their skills.
This means keeping up with:
- New developments in production technology;
- new consumer products and their capabilities;
- changes in the way people view and use creative kit and technology;
- industry trends – knowing who is making what and when; what skills are in demand;
- innovative products and services being offered by competitors to stay ahead;
- the creative styles that are winning awards and attracting publicity;
- business, financial and legal issues e.g. changes in tax breaks in the film industry that affect production, production schemes, training funds, etc.
The way to do this is not only through training, but also by reading the trade press and networking effectively – the more people you meet the more you will pick up about how your industry and job role may be changing.
There is a lot of information held on the Creative Skillset website about funding and training schemes, as well as useful links to
information about the unions, trade organisations and publications covering the Creative Industries.
The Creative Skillset Tick indicates the industry-approved courses and apprenticeships best suited to prepare for or develop a career in the Creative Industries. It identifies the best and most relevant training at any stage of a creative career. For a course or apprenticeship to be awarded the Creative Skillset Tick, it has had a rigorous assessment by experts working in the Creative Industries. They only give the Tick to those courses and apprenticeships that have the strongest links with industry.
Have a look through the Creative Skillset courses database- some courses are funded, and those recommended by industry are indicated with a Tick.
