News and features

Fri, 24 Jun 2011

Media groups advised to boost employees' skills

Newspapers, magazines and online media outlets have been advised to take action to boost reading and writing skills among their staff.

Training watchdog Skillset stated that people who purchase articles are prepared to pay to receive high-quality content.

This, it said, means that traditional skills such as good reading and writing ability are very important.

Skillset has therefore urged businesses in the publishing and media sector to make adult literacy a priority and ensure that editorial staff are able to deliver well-written material.

The organisation also recommended that employees receive staff training on the latest digital and multimedia skills, as the growth of the internet has led to many media outlets posting their output online.

Kate O'Connor, executive director of policy and development at Skillset, told the Guardian: "Training is far too often one of the first casualties when times are tough, but it is essential that we invest for the future.

"Staff must develop new digital skills if the industry is to survive and thrive."

Gail Rebuck, a member of the board at Skillset, added that the publishing sector is undergoing major changes as a result of the economic downturn and technological advances.

She said these developments have created "great opportunities" for media outlets to deliver engaging and informative content.

However, Ms Rebuck stated that the industry could only take advantage of them if the workforce is able to combine traditional skills with a digital and technical capability.

"It is important that the industry understands and moves with the market," she commented.

This comes after Michael Hall of BNS Telecom said the recession has made it more important for businesses to deliver the best possible service to customers.

Speaking to Call Centre Helper, he stated that this means it is very important for businesses to continue investing in staff training.

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