18 May 2015

Creative Skillset Wales have announced the economic benefit of their Skills for the Digital Economy programme over the past four and a half years. The programme aimed to offer training in the creative fields in order to build a competitive industry in Wales.

The scheme, which is supported by S4C, has invested over £2.35 million in training since the Skills for the Digital Economy programme was launched in 2011. It is projected to contribute towards an economic impact of £9.3 million by 2020.

Catrin Hughes Roberts, S4C Director of Partnerships says; "We're very proud to have supported this programme which has brought great benefits for the industry in Wales. Ensuring a continuation of skills is something that S4C has always supported in order to bring through the next generation of talent, which is vital if Wales is to continue to create, produce and export content of the highest quality. S4C's commitment to training and skills is ongoing as we work in partnership with industry representatives, TAC and education institutions to offer the opportunities and resources needed to maintain a strong and flourishing industry."

During the four and a half year Skills for the Digital Economy programme, over 975 employees and freelance workers have received training in roles ranging from producing and directing, business and finance to app creation.

S4C's Director of Partnerships, Catrin Hughes Roberts was among the partners who spoke at an event today with representatives from the industry, training providers and project beneficiaries today at Carmarthen. The event to mark the success of the programme was led by Julie James, Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology and BBC Cymru Wales Director and Chair of Creative Skillset Cymru, Rhodri Talfan Davies.

Gwawr Thomas, Director of Creative Skillset Cymru says; "It is vital that we continue to support the development of the creative industries and drive the skills agenda in Wales. Building on the success of the Skills for the Digital Economy programme, our aim is to continue to work with the Welsh Government and the sector in Wales to secure further support to help invest in the future of the creative industries here."

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See more information about Creative Skillset Wales and the Skills for the Digital Economy programme here: http://creativeskillset.org/nations/wales/skills_for_the_digital_economy