Current skills shortages in the media industry are a result of: 

• an ageing workforce
• a lack of people with the right skills and qualifications entering the media sector
• technological developments
• a demand for specialist knowledge
• an increase in film production

In the media, current skill shortages have been reported for: producer skills; script editing; and camera.

In interactive media current skill shortages are for: technical competence with equipment and processes; management and business skills; and interactive media.  Future skill requirements are for web-based and database programming skills

In radio, skill shortages are for: voice and presentation techniques; digital editing; research; communication and team working skills; project management; commercial awareness; and legal knowledge.  Knowledge of IT networking systems and financial skills will be needed in the future.

In the television industry the number of hard to fill vacancies varies with the size of employer.  However, larger employers, who have higher levels of staff employment, are more likely to report vacancies, but the greater proportion of vacancies actually occur amongst the smallest employers. Skill shortages in the industry are for studio crews, the management of performance skills, commercial awareness and business acumen.  Some emerging skill shortages are: electrical engineering; the use of voice recognition; and gallery production assistants.

Click here for further information on future skill requirements in television, interactive media and film. 

Source: Skillset website 2005