In years past the operational staff involved in making television programmes were, largely, qualified engineers. Nowadays sophisticated, low cost technology has almost eliminated the need for the traditional engineer, almost, but not completely.
So is the workforce becoming de-skilled?
In one sense, perhaps it is. It is certainly true that complete novices are able to undertake many of the preparatory functions with minimal on-the-job training. It is also true that almost anyone with access to a computer and the Internet can become familiar with many of the software tools used in facilities. And as demonstrated in a number of initiatives to introduce a wider range of the UK’s community to programme making, exposure to even a few days hands-on training from the right instructors can result in the ability to produce a passable piece of work.
That, however, is not a recipe for producing a world-class industry.
Whilst the Facilities workforce of today and tomorrow may often get by without developed skills in fundamental subjects, such as mathematics, electronics or mechanics that once were prolific, the tasks the workforce has to perform, and the range of variables it is expected to master to perform those tasks, is much greater than in the past. To produce world quality work, on time and on budget, needs people of the highest calibre at every stage, who are able to work flexibly, under pressure, in teams and often with little supervision.
So, whilst it is possible to operate a business using semi-skilled or untrained staff, the results will not move the industry forward to prosperity nor win the UK recognition for its talent or encourage global business to use our services.
The ‘operational engineer’ of today is probably better described as a ‘technologist’. The sector is very short of skilled technologists with a thorough grounding in both TV production needs and TV specific IT technology.
Some of the companies interviewed are addressing the skills gap by selecting people with IT skills and putting them through a mixture of in-house and third party training to apply the TV knowledge they need. However it is a costly and time consuming method that is clearly not an option for all businesses.
