Creative and Media
The East of England is home to 3% of the total UK audio visual industries workforce, with significant clusters of interactive media industries in Cambridge. This is one of the most significant and fastest growing of the audio visual sectors in the UK. It employs around 53,100 people in the UK.
The East of England boasts six commercial film studios which represent 50% of the UK commercial studio facilities. The East is the second most filmed region in the UK after London.
Applicants for jobs in the creative and media sector need to be highly skilled. Most enter after taking higher education courses. There are virtually no apprenticeships in this sector.
The computer software development and interactive leisure software industry in Cambridge is a centre of excellence.
Applicants need to be highly skilled. Most enter after taking higher education courses.
It’s a tough business. More people want to work in it than there are jobs. You might have to do menial jobs on your way up the ladder.
How much could I earn?
Advertising /Public Relations Manager £48,354
Graphic Designer £24,943
Journalist/Editor £33,385
Photographer £26,301
*Salary rates have been calculated using the average gross pay rates for full time workers. Figures are for the United Kingdom. Averages can hide higher earnings. With training and career development, higher salaries can be achieved. Source: Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings 2009, O.N.S., © Crown Copyright.
What we think will happen
The computer games industry is becoming increasingly important – it currently employs over 30,000 people in the UK. The computer games industry in the East of England is expected to continue to expand.
Once the recession has lifted some of the fastest occupational increases in the UK are expected to occur in design, media, artistic and literary related work.
The greatest rise in demand is likely to be for marketing and PR roles, followed by creative roles, then service/sales roles. The need will be greatest to recruit managers and marketing/PR staff with higher qualifications.
Technological changes (including the shift to digital) will continue. The demand for multi-skilled workers will increase. Continuous skill development is important.
Many of the people employed in the media industries are self-employed. This is set to increase in the future.
The growth of broadband and other digital communication means it is possible to establish small businesses in rural locations.
The Government announced plans in May 2009 to create up to ten thousand new jobs for young people in the culture and creative industries sectors. Plans will include working with orchestras, arts organisations, heritage bodies and the music industry which will provide relevant skills-based training.
New qualifications, called Diplomas, are being introduced. These will help people prepare for university, college or work. There will be a Diploma in Creative and Media. Look out to see whether it’s on offer in your area.
Certain facts/figures are reproduced under the terms of the Click-Use Licence. © Red Bridge Solutions Ltd (www.redbridgesolutions.co.uk) December 2009
More information is contained in the pdf below.