So, what's it all about?
If you're someone who's bursting with ideas or gets a buzz out of helping to create something, then a career in the creative sector could be inspiring, fun and rewarding.
The creative industries are very popular, with lots of competition for job roles. Typically, job candidates with relevant work experience tend to be the most successful in breaking into the field - and that's where Apprenticeships come into play. Over the past year, there's been a real push to get more people into creative careers through Apprenticeships. In fact, the new Creative Apprenticeships programme - listed on page 76 - was designed to provide an alternative to the degree route into a creative career.*
Creativity takes on many forms, and likewise, the creative industry encompasses a broad array of jobs requiring different practices, talents and skills. The Apprenticeships in this section sample a good portion of that range. If you're technically creative, then you could be a games tester searching for glitches in new computer games or help rig the lighting for a playhouse. Like working with your hands? Then you could learn how to build sets and stages for film productions, or how to work the machines that manufacture clothing.
There's also a strong administrative side to this industry, so you could find yourself contributing to the office of a busy record label, helping to promote a live event, or organising member information for a theatre. You could even take on a more socially-engaged role by working for a community arts programme.
This is a multi-billion pound business, and one which the UK excels in. You'll find most opportunities in London and larger cities, but there are openings for creative types in most places. There are a lot of creative people looking for fulfilling jobs, so it can be tough to get a break in your chosen field - however, Apprenticeships are a great way of getting your foot in the door. Hard work and passion will take you the rest of the way.
What qualities do I need?
-
• have artistic or craft skills
• have lots of creative flair
• enjoy new ideas and have plenty of your own
• work as part of a team
• be passionate about your chosen field
• take an interest in the arts and culture
• be prepared to work long and sometimes unconventional hours
• be motivated by doing a job you love and not just money
These are the Apprenticeships currently available in this sector. For more information and for details of the Apprenticeship framework, contact the Sector Skills Council listed after each.
The Association for Ceramic Training and Development
Contact www.actd.co.uk
Creative and cultural skills
Contact www.ccskills.org
Games testing
Contact www.skillfast-uk.org
Skillset
Contact www.skillset.org
Click here for a list of employers offering Apprenticeships in this sector.
Arts Culture Media Jobs
www.artsculturemediajobs.com
Have a wander through what's out there on this job website for the creative industries.
BBC
www.bbc.co.uk
Television, radio, print…the BBC is a major employer for the creative industries.
Blitz Games
www.blitzgames.com
Top games designer.
Creative Partnership
www.creative-partnerships.com
The Government's flagship creative learning programme.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe
www.edfringe.com
The largest arts festival in the world.
Equity
www.equity.org.uk/Industry/CareersAdvice/Factsheets
The trade union that represents actors and performers has helpful factsheets on various creative roles.
Sci
www.sci.co.uk
London-based games developers.
Job information
Bespoke tailoring
Newham College
www.newham.ac.uk
Savile Row
www.savilerowbespoke.com
World famous bespoke tailors in London.
Theatre
Get into Theatre
ww.getintotheatre.org
Stage Jobs Pro
www.uk.stagejobspro.com
The UK's leading online recruitment site for theatre professionals.
Games testing
GI
www.gamesindustry.biz
For information on training, careers fairs and industry news.
Games Tester
www.gamestester.com
Information and news source for those interested in testing games for a living.
Games Recruit
ww.gamesrecruit.co.uk
For job listings and vacancies.
Visit these!
The Apprenticeship Guide
www.apprenticeshipguide.co.uk
Learning and Skills Council
www.apprenticeships.org.uk
Skills Development Scotland
www.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk
Welsh Assembly Government
new.wales.gov.uk