Creative workforce scoping study

Creative Australia and Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) the national Jobs and Skills Council that provides workforce planning, guidance and advocacy for the arts recently released the Creative Workforce Scoping Study, a national cross-portfolio commitment in the National Cultural Policy, Revive.

The scoping study details recruitment and retention challenges in Australia’s creative industries and critical workforce and skills shortages across the country. These are broken down by creative sector. The study also outlines both existing initiatives and calls for new approaches.

The research notes key opportunities for collaboration between the creative sector, the VET sector, higher education, and government, and will guide and inform these collaborations, providing valuable insights into what is needed to support, sustain and produce the next generation of Australia’s creative workers.

As part of the next steps of the scoping study, 4 strategic directions were co-designed with industry participants. These focus on a need for change, recognising that challenges and solutions can’t be viewed in isolation. The co-designed strategic directions include:

1. create equitable access and progression in creative careers
2. co-design and deliver joined-up, multifaceted and cross-institutional learning experiences
3. strengthen partnerships, collaboration and feedback loops between industry, education and government
4. create conditions to retain a healthy and sustainable creative workforce.

The findings and recommendations of the scoping study will inform the national Workforce Plan, along with reviews of vocational education and training (VET) packages and other potential workforce development initiatives.

Research such as this supports the objectives of Creative WA, our 10 year vision for culture, art and creativity, in particular the strategic priority to strengthen the creative, cultural and arts sector. In line with Diversify WA, Creative WA will ensure WA has the skilled human resources it needs for WA’s creative workforce to realise its ambitions and grow.

The Western Australian Government supports several workforce development initiatives designed to strengthen our creative workforce:

• Circuitwest Technical Services Industry and Workforce Development initiative
• Aboriginal Arts Centre Hub WA (AACHWA) Our Future Arts Worker Training Program
• Art on the Move Traineeships and Professional Development program
• Screenwest Screen Capacity Development Program.