Pictured in Metropolis Studios, Studio A, from left to right: David Ward and Phil Harding from JAMES; the Honorable Ed Vaizey, Creative Ministries Minister; Kerry McLennan-McKenzie from City & Guilds; Catherine Large from Creative & Cultural Skills; and Mark Rose from JAMES and Deep Studios.
JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), in association with Creative & Cultural Skills and City & Guilds, recently launched a Studio Apprenticeship Program at Metropolis Studios in London. JAMES is an organization based in Middlewich, Cheshire, UK, that accredits education on behalf of the Association of Professional Recording Services (APRS), the Music Producers Guild (MPG) and the UK Screen Association. BASCA (British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors) and IASIG (Interactive Audio Special Interest Group) endorse the JAMES Accreditation Scheme.
The apprenticeship scheme will provide apprentices with the skills employers need and will provide a way into the industry through pathways including recording engineers, mix engineers, engineering, master engineering, studio management, creative writing and producing, and maintenance engineering.
Creative Ministries Minister Ed Vaizey attended the launch to applaud the initiative in creating an apprenticeship scheme and set of qualifications relevant to the UK recording audio industry. Vaizey stated that the British government is a “big fan” of apprenticeships and was very happy to see that these schemes are beginning to “embed themselves as a key part of our education culture.”
Other speakers at the event included Catherine Large, Creative & Cultural Skills; Kerry McLennan-McKenzie, City & Guilds; Vic Grimes, Regional Director for National Apprenticeship Service; and Paul Marijetic, Head of Apprenticeships for National Skills Academy.
Producer Mark Rose, who led the JAMES development team and managed the new industry National Occupational Standards (NOS) alongside the UK music industry recording sector, says the initiative will create a benchmark standard of practice that will align studio apprenticeships with industry skill and standards.
Phil Harding, JAMES Chairman, says, “For a long time we have had inquiries at JAMES, MPG and APRS about alternative routes into the audio industry without taking the University route or other standard academic routes. For over seven years now JAMES has been a supporter of linking industry and education via the traditionally offered routes through FE Colleges and Universities. We felt the time was right to set up this apprenticeship scheme with the support of government supported skills and qualification bodies.”
This industry approved apprenticeship and qualification framework for Sound Engineering and Recording facilities will be available for all students and employers via Awarding Organization City & Guilds, in fall 2013. Each apprentice placement can bring in 100-percent wage grants to UK recording sector SME or sole trade employers.
The JAMES Apprenticeship Program works in association with UK Music Skills Academy bringing together a network of bodies involved with approved music and audio FE and HE training throughout the UK.
For more information, visit www.jamesonline.org.uk.
Visit London’s Metropolis Studios at www.thisismetropolis.com.
