New BFI study finds lack of career advice hindering sector

A survey conducted by the British Film Institute and ERIC, a careers platform for young people, has found that a “significant” gap in careers guidance for young people aged 13 to 16 presents a major block for new entrants to join the sector.

Their report, based on interviews with over 500 young people and 250 careers advisors in schools across the UK, found that 93% of surveyed careers teams received requests for careers advice in the screen industries but felt “majorly ill-equipped” to provide accurate guidance.

The study found that 83% of young people weren’t aware of screen industries guidance being available at their schools and that 70% of careers teams thought it was very hard to get jobs in film and TV. 

Despite this, it found “hugely encouraging” levels of interest in the sector from surveyed young people.

Two thirds wanted to hear about careers in the screen industries while 93% of career teams reported receiving requests for guidance about careers in the sector.

Rapid growth in the industry is contributing to a shortage of crew, meaning stronger routes into the sector are needed to help meet demand, the BFI said.

“It is obvious that current approaches are not engaging or informing young people effectively and I look forward to finding new ways to help strengthen the provision of screen industries career guidance in schools through stronger links with careers professionals, schools and industry,” said Leigh Adams, Director of Education and Learning at the BFI.

Primary recommendations included in the report are to start as early as possible, be visible, provide up-to-date information and tools, use social media and build relationships with key touchpoints.