'Centre stage, Keeping the UK’s creative industries in the spotlight' is a new report published by the Confederation of British Industries (CBI) .The report describes the creative industries as ' the architects of growth across the UK'. It provides helpful facts about employment in the sector and recommends the Ebacc includes a 'creative subject':
'Since 2011 the rate of employment in the creative industries has grown by 30% - three times the national average.
'UK jobs in the creative industries are expected to grow by 5.3%51 and double the average rate of employment, which will increase by 2.5%. This means 119,495 new jobs for young people by 2024.'
However, the report goes on to examine why the current education system is not equipping young people with the skills they needed for the world of work and recommends:
'Our world class education system, outward looking world leading universities and cutting-edge research capabilities attract thousands to study in the UK each year.'
And yet,
'There has been a rapid decline in the teaching of creative subjects in schools. Creativity must be considered equally important to numeracy and literacy in all schools.
'Currently, there is disparity between the availability of creative subjects in state and private schools.
It is equally important that post-18 education fully recognises the value of creative education subjects by looking in the round at wider economic, social and cultural value, rather than a narrow focus on graduate earnings. In the Augur Review, Arts and Humanities subjects were highlighted as being low value due to their earning potential and therefore should command lower levels of investment. Questioning the attractiveness of studying creative subjects threatens the UK’s ability to deliver world class education and the ability to meet the needs of the economy in the fourth industrial revolution.
'If we do not act now the decline in creative education will continue and will lead to a bigger skills gap in the UK’s talent pipeline.'
The report confirms that the sector also has work to do to improve diversity and inclusion:
'Industry and government acknowledge they must work together to achieve greater diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the creative industries. It is imperative the creative industries are an accessible career option for everyone regardless of background, and that the sector is an inclusive place to work.'
Recommendations
The report has three over arching recommendations. These include a focus on education and skills:
'The provision of creative education in our schools is in decline. Creativity will be one of the top three skills workers will need to thrive in the workplace by 2025. The government, educational institutions and employers must work together to ensure young people leaving education are prepared for the modern world of work. To ensure the whole economy benefits, the government should broaden the EBacc to include a creative subject.'
Read the full report here
