How do media studies students make the transition to employment? Do black and ethnic minority students face additional barriers to entering employment in London’s audio-visual industries?

Preliminary findings from the Working Lives Research Institute research into the audio-visual industries in London.

Invitation to a seminar
Wednesday 26 April 2006: 3–5pm
At Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

I don’t know from personal experience, but I was reading something the other day, and it said they [the BBC] still don’t have the right quota of people from ethnic minorities and the ones that they do have do tend to still be at the lower grades…I mean I’d love to work for the BBC or the Guardian, but that does put me off. I know it shouldn’t but I do think that’s another barrier I’ve got to face.
(Comment from BME female, recent graduate)

The seminar will report on recent findings from a European Social Fund research project on recruitment and employment in the audio-visual sector in London. The aim of the research is to improve understanding of recruitment and employment practices that act as institutional filters to black and minority ethnic workers’ access to London’s Audio Visual sector and to make recommendations to overcome them.

The research, while still ongoing, has so far involved a survey of final year students studying for audio-visual and media related courses across London and focus groups with recent graduates, in attempt to understand their hopes and aspirations for future careers and the realities of job seeking once entering the labour market. The semiar will report on these aspects of the research and we invite attendees to disuss the findings so far.

We are interesting in hearing from all those with an interest in this area, from colleges, lecturers and employers, to sector bodies, like Ofcom, Skillset and others with an interest such as the Commission for Racial Equality, the Learning and Skills Council, and trade unions.

There is an open invitation to this seminar, but we would appreciate notification if you wish to attend. Please email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 0207 320 3029.

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