Notes from the Tech Forum meeting, 6th March, 2007
Sebastian Barnes
I've been on holiday for 2 weeks since and I've had 3 hours of
recordings to listen to.
1. Held in the Door venue at the Rep Theatre, 14 people attended.
Sebastian briefly described this forum and progress to date.
2. The proposed National Skills Academy - A government proposal run by
Creative & Cultural Skills to create an organization and a building to
deliver sector relevant technical training. There have been a number
of consultation meetings set up regionally to enable arts
organisations to contribute to defining this academy. One recent
meeting held at the Rep involved many management from this region and
gave the consultant much to include in this proposal. This appears to
be based on vocational qualifications. CC Skills expect to have
completed a business plan and feasibility study on the suggested
location at Thurrock, already used by the Royal Opera House, by April
2007. We agreed this will be a good thing, considering nothing much
else exists at the moment and providing the courses and delivery are
good quality and relevant to our jobs. We agreed most of us teach or
train usually informally. There is a need for training for trainers
courses.
a) How is this related to Skillscene? SB related the Skillscene pilot
project (see other Forum topic). Skillscene is hoping to provide the
qualifications the National Skills Academy will be using. We
estimated about 2 to 3 years before this academy would be open. We
would like to see regional centres created to ensure adequate access
or at least the ability to have training delivered locally. This
would lead to reducing financial barriers to both employers and
freelancers. Regional delivery would match with the Skillscene
assessment model.
b) Is the National Skills Academy aimed at people new to our sector or
those already in our sector? According to the circular it's aimed at
both whilst also linking to the Creative Apprenticeships. This is an
initiative to establish apprenticeships in technical skills, aligned
with the Creative & Media Diploma. Funding for apprenticeships will
need to come from both employers and the government, such as the Rep
apprenticeships that were 50% funded by the Rep. The Rep's
apprenticeship scheme has just finished with each apprentice taking a
key role on a Rep production. The candidates training was a mixture
of in-house vocational and external training courses. (see other
Forum topics about this scheme). We are surprised this scheme
happened without recognised qualifications. We're pleased that it
happened, an encouraging lead for our sector. The Rep are researching
funding possibilities to repeat this scheme.
c) How important is qualification to our sector? Qualification is a
part of 'being able to do a job competently', knowledge and experience
the other parts. Employers are beginning to look for qualifications
in addition to relevant experience.
d) The apparent lack of black & Asian technicians was discussed,
suggesting a potential need to repeat training schemes that have been
run for these technicians. The National Skills Academy leaflet states
they plan to include those from minority and ethnic backgrounds.
3. Tallescope debate
a) Should Tallescopes be moved with a person at the top?
Manufacturers say no. The H&S Executive agrees at the moment,
although is said to be investigating with manufacturers. They are
reported to have asked an engineering company to conduct tests with a
suitable load at the top. It is also possible that a manufacturer is
researching design amendments to safely allow movement with a person
at the top.
b) The ABTT and BECTU have conducted research into current practices
and accident statistics.
c) It was agreed that we should ensure we have a suitable Risk
Assessment in place until the HSE has reached it's conclusion.
Current practices vary including; 4 people at the bottom, safety
harness for the operator, outriggers 'floating' from the floor, not
moving with someone at the top. Some venues access overhead equipment
using caving ladders and harnesses or temporary access bridges. Some
venues operate fixed lighting rigs, removing the need to frequently re-
focus or working on a tensioned wire grid.
d) There is a common view that repeatedly climbing up and down
introduces a fatigue factor that may increase the risk of accident.
e) Concern and debate has increased since the Working at Height
regulations came into force and the Theatre Royal, Norwich, has
received a prohibition order for incorrect use. Many venues have no
alternative means of access, raked stages and low floor loading
prevents use of many available powered access alternatives.
4. Counterweight Flying Systems
a) The pros and cons of powered and counterweight systems were
discussed, with no conclusion. Some EU countries no longer permit
manual counterweight flying. Current powered systems have safety
features and sensors to detect snags and fouling. It was agreed that
manual loading of counterweight systems can be hazardous and
repetitive.
5. Radio Mic frequencies
a) OFCOM are due to sell off the frequency band representing 12 to 14
available channels. The main concern is that prospective buyers will
increase the license charges or remove them from our use. There is a
possibility that digital technology will enable more channels in fewer
frequencies, requiring a complete change of equipment. There has been
a petition on the 'Number 10' website on this topic. We were
encouraged to 'sign' this petition, many have already signed, up to
5000 so far. BECTU are also responding to this consultation.
b) How can our audiences be aware of the potential effect of reducing
radio mic use? We're aware that some artistic directors are concerned
and adding their voices to this debate. How many of our funders are
aware of the potential effect on our products? It was suggested we
all need to increase awareness of this issue and it's effect on our
sector.
6. Sharing Training?
a) We discussed existing training provision within our area. Many
employees and employers are embracing the need for accredited
training. Training most easily justified is Health & Safety related,
particularly when related to compliance. Cost can be a barrier,
particularly for freelancers and those new to the sector. Sharing
training opportunities can help ensure courses happen. Essential H&S
training courses can vary in length, 30 mins to two day.
b) How can we best share training resources? Through a Training
Consortium? BECTU contribute by arranging subsidised sector training
for their members and would support training consortia because of the
limits of their remit. Regional training consortia models exist in
the north east and south west of England that benefit arts
organisations by sourcing and arranging suitable and accredited,
sector specific training.
c) At least 6 organisations represented at this meeting said they
would like to be involved in defining a Midlands Training Consortium.
SB agreed to call a meeting to begin this process, possibly in April,
to include Kate Elliot of BECTU. It was agreed we each would research
suitable definitions. We agreed a MTC should include, training
providers, users, employers. It should set agreeable definitions and
standards for relevant training, plan and coordinate cost effective
training opportunities, determine user's needs, source external
funding opportunities. The consortium should be a non-profit
organisation to help provide training at cost, particularly when
negotiating with training providers. Different levels of membership
could widen accessibility. We should inform as many other
organisations as possible, ABTT and other organisations and
providers. We have not so far heard of groups of employers regularly
collaborating in training planning and delivery. We noted several
examples of one-off collaborations, usually through individual network
contacts. It was agreed we should promote a connection with BECTU,
although organisations can't become union members. The NEC group are
considering developments in their training department and a
collaboration with Birmingham City Council. PR agreed to take our
ideas to a planned meeting with BCC to gauge their interest.
7. Next Meeting; Agreed on Tuesday 5th June at the ICC, Alan Goodman
to confirm. Wolverhampton Grand offered to host our meeting in
September.
8. We offered many thanks to the Rep for hosting this meeting.