Skillsbase spring launch

BECTU Skillsbase is to be launched in the spring to provide training and careers guidance for freelances in the media industry.

The service, to be launched in spring, has appointed eight Skillsbase advisors to deliver advice and guidance to 200 freelances in 1999.

Over 60% of the workforce in film and television are now freelance, and research has shown they are far less likely to receive training and career guidance from employers.

Experienced practitioners are not given the opportunity or support to develop their skills, and new entrants have little or no access to on-the-job training - this is inevitably leading to increased skills shortages in many areas.

The project started with a conference late last year, and the key theme that emerged was the need for clear advice to allow individuals to make informed career development choices within a rapidly changing industry, along with how to identify, source and pay for relevant training.

The service, which is still in development, has secured £35000 in funding from various sources, including Skillset, the European Social Fund, and the TUC's Union Learning Fund.

For more information contact Skillsbase Project Manager Trisha Boland at BECTU Head Office.