'Skills gap' in creative industry

Young people are lacking in skills in specialised creative sectors including leadership, according to a new report.

Research by Skillset has revealed that although there are many young people taking courses in creative industries, only seven per cent of them are taking vocational or specialised training in areas such as leadership and crafts.

The report found that one in ten employers said training people in leadership and management was vital for advancing their business forward.

However, when speaking to graduates, nine out of ten reported barriers to getting training including the cost of fees (40 per cent) and the fact that employers were unwilling to provide training (34 per cent).

Clive Jones, chair of Skillset, said: 'It's crucial that we nurture talent, close skills gaps and shape up our current and future workforce to lead the way globally.

'The outlook is positive, but we need to make sure we have the right people in place to make this a reality.'

It has been predicted that the creative industry will grow at twice the rate of other industries.