Film and TV industry backs youth skills development
Film and television executives are mobilizing support to enhance young people’s skills in the £5 billion industry, reports BritPanorama.
Pinewood Studios, renowned as the filming site for major productions, is spearheading an initiative aimed at assisting young individuals to either earn or learn. The initiative coincides with concerns that nearly one million youths in the UK are currently not in education, employment, or training.
Welfare Secretary Pat McFadden convened a roundtable at the studios with leading figures from the sector, including representatives from Netflix, Disney, Amazon, MGM, and Vue. McFadden is advocating for the industry to support the Youth Guarantee scheme, which provides work experience, training, or job opportunities while being showcased at the annual Futures Festival.
He stated, “With almost a million young people not in education, employment, or training, we need to create pathways of opportunity and help them build careers.” McFadden emphasized that collaborations between the government and the industry are crucial to shaping a better future for young people.
“Today’s festival has shown what’s possible when government and industry work together,” he remarked. “Apprenticeships benefit everyone – young people gain skills and experience, while employers gain fresh talent and new perspectives.”
The Behind the Screen programme is highlighted as a pertinent example of such cooperation, helping young people penetrate an industry often perceived as inaccessible. He expressed delight over Pinewood’s endorsement of the Youth Guarantee and urged other employers in the creative sectors to embrace similar commitments.
The Pinewood Group reiterated its dedication to opening doors in the industry by stating, “Pinewood Group is committed to opening doors and creating accessible pathways into the industry. Our well-established ‘Behind the Screen’ programme offers paid, hands-on placements for those out of work, while our annual Pinewood Futures Festival continues to inspire and engage the next generation of industry talent.”
The Youth Guarantee scheme has already received backing from organizations such as the Premier League and the Royal Shakespeare Company, signaling a growing endorsement from diverse sectors in the creative industry.
Currently moving towards a comprehensive strategy, the government has allocated an additional £1.5 billion to expand the Youth Guarantee, establishing youth hubs and job centres to facilitate entry into work for young people. The initiative stands as a recognition of the potential of the UK’s creative industries as a significant driver for economic resilience and youth employment.
The ongoing dialogue between the government and industry stakeholders highlights an increasing awareness of the urgent need to bridge the skills gap, ensuring that young individuals can maximize their potential in a rapidly evolving job market.
The investment in youth skills development is not just a socio-economic necessity; it presents a robust opportunity for the UK as it seeks to solidify its standing in the global creative economy.
