The Federation, along with CyMAL and the National Museums, are representing museums in the new ‘Creative and Cultural Industries Sector Skills Council’ for Wales.

The Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) are being developed throughout the UK to replace the old National Training Organisations. Employers and groups involved with museums, galleries, art, theatre, crafts and music have co-operated to develop an SSC relevant to their areas of activity, under the title ‘Creative and Cultural Industries SSC’ (CCISSC).

At the latest meeting, the future of Cultural Heritage NVQ’s at the University of Glamorgan was discussed. The University of Glamorgan is the only centre offering Cultural Heritage NVQ’s in Wales and its future is uncertain due to a lack of candidates and funding difficulties. Its closure would end the provision of vocational museum training within Wales, including the G3 qualification which is a route to the AMA. The Federation, in its advocacy role, has persuaded Creative & Cultural Skills to support the continuation of the qualification through marketing and investigating possible sources of funding.

If you have any issues reated to training provision you would like the Federation to raise, please contact Scott Reid, Training Co-ordinator, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Brecon Road, Merthyr Tydfil, CF457 8RE, 01685 723112, cyfarthfacastle@fsmail.net

© 2007 The Federation of Museums and Art Galleries of Wales