Standards comments invited

Skillset is inviting comments on new draft occupational standards.

The draft revised NVQ standards have been drawn up by Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for broadcast, film, video and interactive media.

Skillset has recently reviewed the industry's occupational standards - which form the basis of industry training courses; are used to 'kitemark' training providers; help careers advisors plan career pathways; and are used to develop all vocational qualifications.

Skillset believes it is vital they truly represent the various jobs within its sector; and it would like to be sure that the standards:

1. Are clear and understandable
2. Do reflect best practice
3. Cover all aspects of roles (with some being optional aspects)

BECTU members are invited to comment on the draft standards, by the deadline of 16 May 2003, using documents available from the Skillset website:

• Standards Review for Production and Technical Occupations, covering:
• Production research
• Production standards
• Broadcast Journalism
• Generic Units for Camera, Editing, Lighting, Grips and Sound
• Camera
• Editing
• Lighting
• Grips
• Sound
• Broadcast Engineering, covering:
• Studio
• Transmission
• Post Production
• Maintenance
• Projects
• Production
• Distribution

Occupational standards take the form of units based on the role and responsibilities identified by the industry.

Skillset's says its aim is to ensure that the standards reflect best practice and are at a level to which all practitioners can relate.

Skillset has said it will soon have standards available on its website for directors, senior producers, production designers and a suite of standards covering design occupations (art direction, props, set dressing, graphics, animation, costume, make up and hair).