This project, led by Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication, aimed to develop work around industry-relevant skills development particularly for graduates.

The project has:

• Produced Arts and Creative Industries: Literature Review (Lance Dann and Karen Cass, 2008). This identified the barriers facing students (particularly those who are under-represented both in higher education and in the creative industries.   NALN CPD Literature Review

• Carried out a mapping exercise to identify CPD qualifications offered in NALN institutions and developed a pilot database of CPD courses.

This pilot database with hundreds of courses searchable by subject, region and mode of study, shows the potential of such an initiative.  View the database here.

Please note: the database is only a pilot and will not be updated. It does however highlight the need for such a clear source of information.

• Undertaken liaison with Sector Skills Councils and other relevant industry bodies;
• Produced a final report and recommendations ‘Tackling Exclusion in the Creative Industries’ (Lance Dann and Karen Cass, Nick Ware)  Tackling exclusion in the Creative Industries Report

This has identified specific key issues surrounding entry to and work in the creative industries including the nature of internships; the importance of networks for new entrants and the domination of the industry by small business which cannot offer placements, or internships.

The project has identified an enterprise model based on providing graduates with a transition to business and enterprise and encouraging the development of contacts and client-facing skills.

If you are interested in discussing the enterprise model proposed please contact: Kirsty Morris: k.r.morris@arts.ac.uk