The Importance of Advanced and Continuous Learning in the Arts and Sciences

The Importance of Advanced and Continuous Learning in the Arts and Sciences

In a recent meeting on July 16, 2019, the Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Gavin Williamson MP, expressed concerns about students getting 'value for money' in their education. This concern was at the forefront of a panel discussion that took place the same day, focusing on the value of creative Higher and Further Education.

The panel, chaired by Caroline Julian, Director of Policy and Programmes at the Creative Industries Federation, was composed of Industry Champions working in diverse industries such as publishing, technology, design, craft, advertising, film, and visual effects. The discussion was based on research conducted by the Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre (PEC) about the value of creative education.

The key insights from the Industry Panel discussion, as captured in the paper "Insights from our Industry Champions: The Value of Creative Higher and Further Education," emphasize the crucial role that creative Higher and Further Education institutions play in providing a pipeline of well-prepared, creative talent essential for industry growth and innovation.

1. Talent Pipeline Importance: Employers highlighted the critical role that Higher and Further Education institutions play in providing a pipeline of well-prepared, creative talent essential for industry growth and innovation.
2. Skills Alignment: There was a strong focus on the need for curricula that align closely with industry demands, particularly in creative and digital skills, ensuring graduates are “work-ready” and able to contribute effectively from day one.
3. Creativity and Innovation: The panel highlighted that creativity and critical thinking skills cultivated in these educational settings are highly valued and often difficult to develop outside structured learning environments.
4. Collaboration Between Industry and Education: A recurring theme was the benefit of closer collaboration and partnerships between educators and employers to co-design courses, provide live projects, and offer placements that give students real-world experience.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Encouraging a diverse talent pool was viewed as essential, with industry champions advocating for accessible education pathways and outreach to underrepresented communities.
6. Lifelong Learning and Adaptability: The discussion underscored how continuous learning and adaptability, fostered through Higher and Further Education, are crucial in preparing talent for rapidly evolving sectors.
7. Employers’ Role Beyond Recruitment: Beyond recruitment, employers see value in supporting education through mentoring, guest lectures, and feedback loops, ensuring ongoing relevance and strengthening the talent pipeline.

These insights collectively emphasize that creative Higher and Further Education institutions are vital in shaping talent that not only meets immediate industry needs but also drives future innovation and growth. The outcomes of this Panel and additional research from the PEC will be fed into both the ministerial team and the Office for Students (OfS).

The policy briefs presented at the meeting provide areas for potential policy action in various aspects of the creative industries. For instance, "Three ways to support growth in the creative industries" outlines three ways to support growth in the creative industries. Meanwhile, "Authors' Earnings in the UK" provides areas for potential policy action proposed by researchers at CREAT.

Other policy briefs discussed at the meeting include "Arts, Culture and Heritage, State of the Nations," which provides a comprehensive analysis of various aspects within the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector. "Business Models and Access to Finance" discusses recommendations for transitioning to more sustainable business models and access to finance. "Audiences and Workforce in Arts, Culture and Heritage" uses census data to provide a comprehensive analysis of audiences.

The policy brief "Television production, international trade and pressures to consolidate" outlines the UK television production sector as one of Britain's leading creative export sectors. "Creative industries innovation in seaside resorts and country towns" is based on a PEC Discussion Paper. Lastly, "Transitioning to Sustainable Production across the UK Theatre Sector" outlines recommendations for transitioning to more sustainable theatre production.

The outcomes of the Panel will be used to inform relevant policy commissions, the Department for Education, and All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs) such as Yvette Cooper's Commission for Workers and Technology, Estelle Morris's Lifelong Learning Commission, and the APPG for students, chaired by Paul Blomfield MP.

The author of the articles, Eliza Easton, is the Founder of Erskine Analysis and previously the Deputy Director at the Creative PEC. The paper can be referenced as Easton, E (2019) The value of creative higher and further education. London: Creative Industries Policy and Evidence Centre. Available from: https://www.our website/policy-briefings/insights-from-our-industry-champions-the-value-of-creative-higher-and-further-education

In conclusion, the panel discussion and the research presented provide valuable insights into the role of creative Higher and Further Education in shaping talent for the creative industries. The findings underscore the need for closer collaboration between educators and employers, skills alignment, and diversity and inclusion to prepare students for the rapidly evolving creative sectors.

1. Talent Development: Creative Higher and Further Education plays a pivotal role in fueling the growth of industries by cultivating a pipeline of creative talent.
2. Industry-Focused Curricula: To effectively meet industry demands, educational institutions must focus on relevant curricula, particularly in creative and digital skills.
3. Skills in Demand: Creativity and critical thinking skills, difficult to cultivate outside structured learning environments, are highly valued by industries.
4. Partnership and Collaboration: Closer partnerships between educators and employers are beneficial, with collaboration leading to co-designed courses and real-world experiences for students.
5. Diversity in Talent: Encouraging diversity among students is essential for a thriving talent pool, as industry champions advocate for accessible pathways and outreach to underrepresented groups.
6. Continuous Learning and Adaptability: A continuous learning mindset, fostered through Higher and Further Education, aids in preparing talent for rapidly changing industries.
7. Beyond Recruitment: Employers offer value beyond recruitment, through mentoring, guest lectures, and feedback loops, ensuring educational relevance and strengthening the talent pipeline.
8. Policy Actions: The research presented provides areas for potential policy action, including strategies to support growth in the creative industries, business sustainability, audience analysis, and international trade.
9. Informing Policy Commissions: The insights from the panel and its research will guide relevant policy commissions, the Department for Education, and All-Party Parliamentary Groups.
10. Policy Briefs and Internationalisation: Various policy briefs discussed, such as those focusing on television production, seaside resorts, theatre sustainability, and arts analysis, offer insight into the potential for creative Higher and Further Education to support internationalisation and growth.

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