DEVELOPMENT PLANS
By 2003 we were aware that there was a growing demand for places on our programme, and a need for us to find a sustainable way of developing our resources. So we asked Francis Morrell, former leader of ILEA, to conduct a strategic review, including consultation with key partners.
She stressed, what we already had a growing awareness of, that there is a real and genuine need for places on our programme, not only from North Kensington but also from a wider catchment area in West London.
Secondly, that we needed to achieve a step change in our size and resources, in order to operate at a more regional level.
As a result of this review, we felt that to achieve these aims we had to concentrate on two main priorities:
1. To sustain the delivery and improvement of our current programmes
Building on our existing strengths, we’ve introduced new programmes for users’ progression routes.
Last year, of the 103 young people aged 12-19, on after-school, half term and holiday projects at our youth studio and in partnership projects: 69% are Black, Asian, mixed-race or Arabic-speaking. 17% are from other local communities. 59% are female and 41% male. 14% have disabilities or learning difficulties.
In 2009-2012, we shall continue to develop our programme of non-formal learning for all ages. We are part of the Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster and Camden 14-19 partnership group and are set to deliver a programme from September 2009. We are talking to Local Authority managers about delivering teacher training in response to the national initiative Film: 21st Century Literacy. This supports and encourages teachers to use film as a teaching tool across the curriculum.
By working closely with Skillset, we’ve ensured that our training meets employment and skills’ gaps that are an increasing concern of the industry. We concentrate particularly on the acquisition of practical, technical and production skills that lead to industry-recognised qualifications.
Last academic year, of the 85 trainees on our training programme, 53% are Black, Asian or Arabic-speaking; 22% are from other minority communities; 53% have English as an additional language; 47% are female and 53% male; 18% have a disability or learning difficulty. 73% were unemployed (7% for over 6 months, 13% for over a year, 5% for over 2 years and 21% for over 3 years), 3% were students and 24% were in low paid, part-time work.
With industry focus on multi-platform production, over the past two years we’ve introduced animation, production for the Web, mobile phones and MP3s. Over the next three years, we shall be further developing these forms of production, distribution and marketing, alongside our focus on young people and trainees producing short dramas and documentaries for screening locally and via national and international festivals,
We regularly hold screenings in London cinemas, preview theatres and community venues for audiences of industry professionals, friends and family.
We’re continually working at upgrading our equipment. And we’re always working alongside our partners, both old and new, to attract long-term funding.
Progression
Our dedicated Placements Co-ordinator assists young people and trainees to identify their interests and skills, and relevant job opportunities, and to work on c.v.s, application forms and covering letters. We recently ran a Skillset-funded workshop, led by industry professionals >> What Next? about routes into the industry, the wide range of jobs available and the skills needed to find work.
Last year, 30 trainees found work in the film, television and video industry. Employers include independent production companies, Warner Brothers, the Guardian, Afghan TV and the BBC.
14 trainees had work placements with production companies and broadcasters. Six trainees had placements with CBBC and two women subsequently gained full-time work at the BBC, as Team Assistant/Runner and Camera Assistant.
15 students moved on to specialist industry courses, further and higher education.
2. Draw in New Resources and Form New Partnerships
This year more than ever we're marketing our services to target groups and raising the profile of The Video College.
We’re creating new links across West London, with schools, inclusion projects, Youth Offending Teams, youth clubs, young carers’ groups, looked after children and migrant and refugee organisations. By doing this we hope to meet, and fund, the increasing demand for new programmes.
We’re expanding our management committee to include key players in education alongside members from the film, television and video industries. In ever-changing worlds, it’s important that we keep pace both with the latest industry practice and requirements and with new education policies and strategiesFor more information on our future projects, or if you wish to make a donation, or can contribute in any area, please email us on thevideocollege@ukonline.co.uk or phone on 020 8964 2641.
