Kent labour market information
Creative industries
Kent and Medway is a UK hotspot for the creative industries which are a significant part of the UK economy. Whether you’ve got artistic flare, technical skills or an ability to be highly organised, there are plenty of opportunities in this growing sector.
Look out for small companies as well as large organisations making a big impact on the global stage. You could work in film and TV, radio, photography, games design, fashion, performing arts, advertising, publishing and many more areas. And it’s worth considering areas such as lighting, audio, staging, costume and make-up which often get overlooked.
20 jobs and careers in the creative industry
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gameplay programmer make-up artist animator
sound engineer costume designer writer
data wrangler texturing artist composer (post-production)
photographer digital marketer TV/film director
virtual reality programmer set designer TV/film/radio researcher
lighting technician concept artist locations manager
Now and the future
The creative industries are packed with opportunities but it’s a highly qualified workforce and there’s strong competition for many roles. The good news is that the sector is expanding - the number of people working in creative roles is increasing as demand for fresh ideas and new content continues.
This is an industry that’s constantly innovating, and companies value diversity in the workforce - people from all backgrounds can bring unique perspectives and create future trends.
Companies need digitally-skilled professionals who can help develop new ways to entertain, engage and inspire. These skills could include working with:
- virtual reality and augmented reality
- VFX and animation
- data analytics
- artificial intelligence (AI)
- digital platforms
- esports
- graphic design
The creative sector can also play a vital role in driving the sustainability agenda through storytelling and engaging audiences. For example, film-makers, writers, photographers and journalists are crucial in raising awareness of climate change and environmental issues amongst the wider public.
Spotlight on Kent and Medway
We’re a pretty creative bunch in Kent and Medway! There are over 7,000 creative companies located here , from digital start-ups and games designers to film and TV studios (source).
Towns like Margate, Folkestone, Ashford, Maidstone, Canterbury and Tunbridge Wells are becoming renowned for their creative communities. Freelance artists, designers and small companies are able to take advantage of collective spaces and larger companies employ people with a range of skills to suit their business.
Look out too for upcoming developments such as the Docking Station in Medway, a creative technologies hub offering state-of-the-art production studios.
Scroll to the bottom of this page to find links to some great local employers.
More information
- has excellent communication skills
- is creative
- is good at problem solving
- is innovative
- works well in a team
- is flexible
- has a range of digital skills.
Useful subjects
These subjects and qualifications could help you get into this sector:
art | computer science | English | maths | design and technology | drama | music | history | psychology | sociology | physics | business studies | creative digital media
What about apprenticeships?
Apprenticeships are mostly available at advanced and higher levels and tend to focus on digital and technical careers.
For vacancies in Kent and Medway and further information:
- Find an Apprenticeship
- Amazing Apprenticeships
- Higher and Degree Apprenticeship Vacancy Listing
- UK Screen Alliance apprenticeships in TV and Film
- Explore the IfATE apprenticeship maps for this sector
Your choices @
14-16
You’ll gain useful skills in English, art, history, music and drama; computer science, maths, physics, and design and technology can be useful for technical careers.
Post 16
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4+ including English and maths | Working towards grade 4 GCSE English or maths |
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Post 18
- Degree.
- Other higher education qualification.
- Higher or degree apprenticeship.
- Employment with or without further training.
The creative industries are amongst the highest for graduate-level employment - over two thirds of people who work in this sector have a higher education qualification or equivalent . Some technical careers may require an industry accredited degree-level qualification or apprenticeship but for many roles, any higher education qualification will provide an entry route into this sector.
Gain skills and knowledge by building up experience. This could include volunteering, work shadowing, a work experience placement, internship or paid employment. You’ll gain the best advantage if you can demonstrate an interest in, or experience of, the area you’d like to work in.
Want to know more?
ERIC
Discover creative careers
Screen skills
UK screen alliance
Kent film office
Kent BFI film academy
Get into film (useful links)
Technicians. We make the difference.
