The UK creative industries sector has huge growth potential and will be a key driver of economic recovery, but risks being held back by a lack of relevant skills, the CBI has said in a new report.

According to the UK’s leading business group, the creative industries sector is expected to employ 1.3 million people by 2013, potentially making it larger than financial services. But, the CBI warns that in order for the sector to meet its potential, urgent action is needed to train people to the required skills levels, including sound skills in maths and science.

“Our creative industries have huge growth potential, but the lack of trained people with relevant skills to meet the sector’s specialist demands is holding it back,” said Susan Anderson, CBI director for education and skills.

“First and foremost we must ensure that all young people leave school with a strong grasp of the basics. Solid maths and science ability is particularly vital.

“These companies also expect a more detailed knowledge of IT and benefit from people with broader creative skills, so the Government must adapt the curriculum to meet these needs.”

Studying maths post 16

The CBI’s recommendations for improving skills at school and college says the Department for Education (DfE) needs to ensure that all young people continue studying maths post-16 at a level appropriate to them. It also recommends the introduction of an automatic opt-in to triple science GCSE for the most able pupils.

Other recommendations include the introduction of higher level computer programming and software development courses and a creative or technical subject within the specification of the English Baccalaureate, for example, design and technology, computer studies, music, art and design or drama.

The business support body also wants to see employers jointly promoting best practice on business-school collaboration – for example with increased support for the work of Education and Employers Taskforce.

Call for business and education collaboration

“As well as getting the basics right at a school level, we want to see greater collaboration between universities and companies so that courses keep up-to-date with the realities and needs of today’s creative industries market,” Ms Anderson added.

“It’s also crucial that we continue to develop the skills of the current workforce. Apprenticeships are an important way of achieving this and the Government needs to press ahead with its plans to reduce bureaucracy and break down barriers to entry for smaller firms.”