University offers free courses to help creative industries through recession

Story Posted: 07 September 2009

In a move to help the creative industries in London through the recession, Roehampton University is calling on businesses and individuals to register for its range of free training courses. Roehampton is the only university in the UK offering free courses in this sector.

Over 1,700 free places are being offered on various professional development short courses, which are aimed at people looking to enter or currently working in the creative industries, including journalism, media production and new media.

The suite of 40 one-day courses – known as Creative Futures – includes training in some of the latest and most popular creative disciplines including Presenting to Camera for TV and Internet; Blogging, Twittering and Social Networking; and Introduction to Personal Portals and Mashups.

During the current economic downturn, professionals who are unemployed, or are on reduced working arrangements, along with new graduates looking to up-skill, can also benefit from the scheme.

Currently, London’s creative sector faces a training shortfall of around 64%. In order to support the sector, which employs around 170,000 people, the free courses will offer training across three key areas: personal development, professional skills development, and technical skills development.

Dr Paul Sutton, Principal Lecturer in Film at Roehampton University, said: "As the recession continues to impact on UK industries, including the higher education sector, Roehampton University is keen to help drive the UK economy out of the recession in a direct and resourceful way.

"Roehampton is in a great position to help address the training gap in the local creative sector. We are encouraging individuals and companies in London to register with us today to secure places on these courses as numbers are limited."

The initiative is supported by local individuals and businesses, including Pearson, Haymarket Media Group and London First.

For queries relating to registration, please contact Michelle Flinn, Project Manager (tel: 020 8392 3795, email: m.flinn@roehampton.ac.uk). Alternatively, for queries relating to courses, please contact Paul Sutton, Academic Project Leader, tel: 020 8392 3870, email: p.sutton@roehampton.ac.uk).

Full list of the free courses on offer:

Personal Development

Psychometric Testing: Introduction to the Myers Briggs Type Indicator
Assertiveness Training and Confidence Building
Self Awareness Training
Developing Effective Management and Leadership Skills for Business
Setting up and Running your own Business
Selling your Services with Confidence
Developing a Business Plan
Improving Employability: CV and Interview Skills

Professional Skills Development

Technical Skills Development

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University offers free courses to help creative industries through recession