The audio-visual industries are the fastest growing sector in the UK and an excess of 400,000 are working in the sector including freelancers, performers and those working in film production and photo imaging.  Sector information 

Current skills shortages in the media industry are a result of: an ageing workforce; a lack of people with the right skills and qualifications; technological developments; a demand for specialist knowledge; and an increase in film production.  Sector information

There is a need for workers with business skills across the audio visual industries. Sector information

The audio-visual industries are concentrated around London and the South East, but there are significant regional clusters.  Regional and national dimension

The biggest occupational skill changes anticipated in the future are likely to effect high level occupations.  Occupations

The representation of women varies greatly between the audio visual industries and occupations.  Equal opportunities

The representation of ethnic minorities has decreased slightly since 2003 from 7.4% to 7%, but varies across occupations.  Equal opportunities

The reported proportion of disabled people employed in the media has increased to 1.3% in 2004.  Equal opportunities

Several schemes are in place (such as the New Entrants Scheme, training support for freelancers and the new Film Academies) to ensure the continued development of the sector’s workforce.  Education and training

Images supplied with thanks by the BBC and the NSCTP (for the final two images). 

Sector information

This contains an overview of the sector as a whole, details future trends in employment together with skill gaps and workforce development issues.

Data and charts

Links to the charts contained within this sector are listed.

Regional / national dimension

Information on regional trends and differences, together with trends in the home nations including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales.

Occupations

Information and trends on sectoral occupations.

Equal opportunities

Key information on equal opportunity issues specific to the sector.

Education and training

Education and training information and issues including work-based learning, apprenticeships, vocational qualifications, and further and higher education courses.

Research

A list of recent research publications which is intended to be a starting for those wishing for more detail on the sector.

Discussion points

Thought-provoking and challenging questions to start discussions.

Sector summary: the audio-visual industries

This summary gives a brief overview of the key trends in the sector, including up-to-date bulletins produced by the Sector Skills Councils.

Links and sources

This contains direct links to all the materials used to compile this sector. More in-depth and detailed information can be found in the source materials as only key points have been extracted. In addition, websites and further sources which may be of interest have been included.