Businesses can find out more about the new Creative Skills Hub being launched in the region at two events taking place in Bristol and Bath this month. The first event will take place in Bristol on Wednesday, September 25th from 4.30-6.30pm at Creative Common in Temple Quarter, whilst the Bath event will be on….

The new hub is the result of a unique partnership between the West of England Local Enterprise Partnership and Creative Skillset, aimed at developing world-class talent and driving growth in the creative industries.

The hub will become a ‘one stop shop’ by providing expertise and support to the existing creative businesses in the region and connecting them with home-grown talent. It will work with schools and colleges to address the skills gap in the creative sector and ensure there is training provision and opportunities for the local workforce.

The targets for the LEP skills team and Creative Skillset in the next 18 months include:

  • Providing impartial skills advice to the creative industries in the West of England
  • Bringing together businesses and education to address the skills gap in the creative sector
  • Supporting 100+ apprenticeships into work in the creative and cultural industries
  • Supporting 100+ internships, traineeships and work placements
  • Introducing flexible secondments for teachers, tutors and lecturers into industry

Paul Wilson, chief executive of the West of England LEP, says: “The West of England region is already recognised as a powerhouse in the creative industries and we need to do everything we can to support the sector, encouraging talent and boosting growth over the next few years. Focusing primarily on young people and business, the Creative Skills Hub will have a dynamic agenda which responds to business but will also be sensitive to academic requirements.

Initially, it will be a virtual hub, led by the LEP’s Skills Team, who are currently based in Bristol Temple Quarter Enterprise Zone, close to Temple Meads Station. The ambition is to see it develop over time into an online or ‘real’ presence, based in the new Engine Shed development alongside the West of England Growth Hub which is being set up to attract business investment to the region.

To register for your free place or find out more, email Nicky Williams at Nicky.Williams@woeskills.co.uk.