A masterclass on the making of the new Doctor Who, digital camera workshops and opening up offices and buildings to other companies, are all on the agenda for the first ever National Skills Day taking place on Thursday 26 May 2005.
A masterclass on the making of the new Doctor Who, digital camera workshops and opening up offices and buildings to other companies, are all on the agenda for the first ever National Skills Day taking place on Thursday 26 May 2005.

Broadcast, Skillset, the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five, BSkyB, Pact and Bectu have joined forces to raise awareness of the fundamental importance of skills development and career progression to the future of the industry by staging the event.

The concept - a day focused on the skills needs of the workforce - is being supported by events taking place across the industry.

The major broadcasters are holding workshop series including a masterclass with Doctor Whoproducer Phil Collinson at BBC Scotland; a workshop from Patrick Titley (producer/director of Jungle Run, for CITV) at ITV Manchester; and Channel 4 will be staging tasters from stand up comedy sessions to digital camera workshops.

Endemol West, Aardman Animations and Twofourproductions have teamed up with South West Screen to set up a day of activities involving tours of each others facilities; workshops; and an animators chat.

National Skills Day was launched by Lord Puttnam at the Production Show last year and organisations across the industry will be holding events throughout the UK to promote skills development.

Many organisations are holding open days on National Skills Day. Kent based training provider Bill Curtis Associates will open up a OB unit for people to experience all the technical operations; the New Producers Alliance will be holding a TV & Film careers day with panel advice sessions and an intensive CV and interview surgery; and at the Brighton Film School visitors can sample screenwriting software, cinematography, lighting and editing. DOP and camera operator John Ward ( The Fifth Element; Elephant) will discuss Steadicam at the London Film Academy and Pinewood Studios will hold an SFX Update Day including silicone lifecasting of participants.

Lord Puttnam said: "Partnership is the key to the success of National Skills Day. Commitment is essential throughout the industry to really hammer home the message that skills and training are critical to the future development of the audio-visual industries. I am enormously encouraged by the support we have already received for this initiative. Now is an ideal time for other organisations to get involved with National Skills Day, to help ensure that the event has the widest possible impact."

Skillset are also running 3 competitions in the build up to National Skills Day. Prizes include job shadowing the Virgin radio team at the Isle of Wight music festival and work experience at Sony Games Development. For more information on the competitions and how you can get involved in National Skills Day visit: http://www.skillset.org/nationalskillsdayor contact Jane Saunders on 01372 729249 or email: jane@janesaunderspr.co.uk