THE APRS EDUCATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVE
Dave Ward explains the reasoning behind the formation of the APRS Education and Training Initiative and outlines future courses of action.
INTRODUCTION
The APRS, as the umbrella trade organization to the sound recording industry has long realised the need for a lead body to monitor and cultivate developments in industry training and education. We are aware of similar requirements in many closely related industry sectors.
From without, the recording industry is viewed by many to be extremely glamorous and of course, this image is perpetuated by the PR machinery which surrounds show-business and record companies. Many youngsters are keen to become a part of it, but the truth is that entry-level job vacancies are scarce and heavily over-subscribed. Invariably, further business and career opportunities are filled `from within'. However, a lot is said about determination, ingenuity and persistence and many hopefuls believe that one way to start is via the recording studios and services. As a result our studio and personnel managers are constantly deluged with mountains of CV's. Careers officers from all over the UK write to the APRS asking for guidance, literature and advice.
It is our belief that careers advice and industry sign-posting should be a coordinated effort between the industry's associations and organisations. Training and education have an essential role in the future development of the recording industry, with its high technological demands and rapidly evolving business practices. If we are to do justice to our esteemed creative and commercial prowess and consolidate a genuine competitive advantage in the global market, then it is vital that we inform, explain, advise, educate and train.
Over the years the APRS has monitored a steady proliferation of music and technology related training courses. Many are run by colleges and Universities, some to degree standard. In the main these courses are worthwhile, and have been awarded external academic validation. In such cases education fees may be met by government funding. Other courses are run by independent establishments, offering varying standards of qualification. Mostly, the latter are supported financially by students fees.
The APRS has always been willing to accept the fact that there will be variations in style and standards of education, in all spheres, depending on circumstances, particularly the availability of resources and personnel. The Association also appreciates the tremendous value of qualifications, gained at whatever level, if relevant to the industry. What the APRS finds hard to accept is the wanton low-standard high-cost courses that spring up, in many cases with false guarantees of industry placement and effectively worthless exit qualifications.
AIMS OF THE INITIATIVE
The APRS has embarked upon the Education and Training Initiative with full co-operation and approval of leading educational establishments, in order to assess the levels of training and to follow the progress of students, from school into working life. A committee of professionals from several areas of the industry monitors progress and approves APRS Industry Accreditation of specific courses. Five courses from around the UK have received full APRS Accreditation, to date. More are in process.
The Accreditation process is carefully constructed and takes time to implement. It aims to quantify standards of course materials, lecturing and student facilities. Once accreditation is achieved, the courses are revisited every two years.
The Accreditation process will continue to develop further into the areas of Music Technology and the APRS will work to involve other trade associations in the joint accreditation of courses, where course content is modular and cross-discipline. This should involve PLASA, the BPI, the MPA and others. The Education and Training Initiative (E&TI) will continue to foster dialogue with industry organizations and seek their co-operation. It is envisaged that there will be jointly organised courses for Continuing Professional Development of industry practitioners. This will help to stimulate networking and lead to a better understanding between sectors of the industry. It is also intended that we develop a Work-Experience Placement Scheme, linking Accredited courses and industry employers. The APRS will promote better understanding of the significance and value of a work-experience placement, in a professional environment, as an important opportunity which is best earned, on merit.
A `Training for Trainers' programme is to be developed so that industry professionals are better equipped, with training techniques, to pass on their skills and knowledge. This scheme will eventually be developed on an international basis, particularly in export markets, whereby operational and technical information can be localised with greater efficiency.
The E&TI plans to investigate the training requirements of existing industry staff, employed in recording and post production studios and in associated manufacturing and supply industries. This research will encompass technical and business matters and will include up-to-date management training. Further research will cover training possibilities in distance learning for industry staff and the construction of a suitable framework for computer assisted learning using multimedia techniques. These initiatives will eventually qualify for European funding.
The APRS plans to co-operate closely in the formulation of Scottish and National Vocational Qualifications for the recording industry and thereby complement government initiatives within the training area. The majority of current funding initiatives are linked to the establishment of NVQs.
PRIORITIES FOR THE APRS EDUCATION AND TRAINING INITIATIVE
The APRS Education and Training Initiative is built on the following values:
The long term aim of the Initiative is to secure the employment of a full-time training officer who will administer the existing Accreditation scheme and develop this potential. The infrastructure needs development in order to support this financially. Funding will be sought from sponsoring participants
Finance is also needed to research and develop the planned international schemes.
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