Written By:
Principal
Cardiff and Vale College
Wales has a long and rich creative tradition, and we have no shortage of talent. Across film, television, theatre, music, and the wider arts, we see exceptional work produced in Wales, with a distinct identity that resonates both at home and abroad.
But for Wales to truly establish itself as a global creative hub, we need to do more to showcase our talent and develop the skills pipeline that will sustain the industry for years to come.
At Cardiff and Vale College, we are one of the largest providers of education and training in Wales, with more than 600 full-time learners enrolled on creative pathway courses. We work closely with industry, universities, and local authorities to provide clear routes into creative careers, ensuring that young people from all backgrounds understand the opportunities available.
The creative industries contribute more than £1.2 billion to the Welsh economy, but their significance goes beyond job creation and economic growth. For Wales, creativity is part of our culture and identity. It is central to our well-being and the way we share our stories with the world.
One of the challenges we face is ensuring that opportunities in the creative industries are accessible to everyone. Historically, these careers have been difficult to break into without the right connections. For years, it was said that getting a job in the BBC depended on having an aunt or uncle who already worked there. What we are doing now is becoming that link for young people who may not have those connections. We are creating real pathways, so that talent is not lost simply because someone lacks the right networks.
Schemes like It’s My Shout play a crucial role in this. They provide young people with hands-on experience in film and television, both in front of and behind the camera. For some, this might be a one-off opportunity that builds confidence and transferable skills. For others, it is the first step towards a long-term career in the industry. The success of these initiatives proves that when we remove barriers and provide targeted support, we unlock potential.
At Cardiff and Vale College, we have worked hard to reach communities that have been underrepresented in the creative sector. A third of our learners come from black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and half from socio-economically deprived areas. We have achieved this by actively going out into communities, listening to concerns, and making adjustments to ensure that our college is a welcoming and inclusive place. Simple changes, like ensuring that learners have access to prayer rooms and recognising religious holidays, have had a big impact. More broadly, we need to continue breaking down misconceptions about the creative industries and making sure that young people see them as a viable career path.
Another area of focus has been apprenticeships. Through partnerships with the Wales Millennium Centre and studios across Wales, we have developed apprenticeship programmes that provide paid opportunities to gain experience and training in technical theatre, film production, and other specialist fields. These apprenticeships have been a game-changer, particularly for those who cannot afford to work for free or take unpaid placements. By paying apprentices a training allowance, we make it possible for more people to take up these opportunities and move into secure employment. Importantly, apprenticeships help to provide a pipeline of talent for employers.
Beyond Wales, there is huge potential to raise the profile of our creative industries on the world stage. We have seen how Scotland and Ireland have successfully positioned themselves as centres of creative excellence, and Wales has every reason to do the same. Events like the Rugby World Cup and major film productions shot here help to raise awareness of what we have to offer, but we need to build on this with a clear, collaborative strategy. Wales is rich in talent, in storytelling, and in technical expertise. We need to ensure that this is recognised internationally.
That requires continued investment, partnership working, and a commitment to building a strong and sustainable pipeline of talent. The Creative Skills Plan is helping to coordinate efforts across education, industry, and government, but there is more to do. We need to avoid duplication and ensure that training and employment pathways are clear, accessible, and well-funded. We need to maintain our outreach work so that young people know where their skills and interests can take them.
Above all, we need to keep working together. Wales has the talent, the creativity, and the ambition. Now is the time to ensure that we have the skills, the investment, and the global recognition to match.
