Design Skills Academy has today launched a campaign to urge designers to provide practical support to the next generation of talent.
"Design Needs You is a call for industry to reach out to the next generation of talent," said Catherine Large, Joint CEO, Creative & Cultural Skills. "Our research has highlighted a disconnect between the skills employers need and the training that young people are being provided through the education system. Our design sector is a world leader, but if we want to maintain this status we must do more to provide young people with the skills they need to succeed. The Design Skills Academy provides an infrastructure within which employers and educators can collaborate for mutual benefit, and we're looking forward to working with more businesses across industry to that end."
Design businesses are encouraged to sign up to small, but important, commitments that will help develop the future workforce. This could include:
- contributing to Get Into Design, a new careers website to give expert advice, information and opportunities to young people
- taking part in school classroom lessons via Skype, giving insights to working life in the design industry
- hosting a Creative Choices career visit for 14-16 year olds
- working with the Design Business Association and British Design Innovation to develop training and professional development frameworks
- employing an apprentice or intern with funding available through the Creative Employment Program
Founded by the Design Council and Creative & Cultural Skills, the Design Skills Academy is aimed at encouraging industry professionals to help young people aspiring to work in the design industry.