Are workplace qualifications the way forward for the arts?

Last week the announcement that fast-food chain McDonalds are to introduce their own degree course in business management, enabling employees to achieve a nationally recognised qualification whilst working. And why not? In the current climate of increasing university tuition fees and high levels of unemployment among recent graduates should we expect people to choose between education and a job?

Apprenticeships and workplace learning have been the traditional route into the trades for a while now but the arts seem to have been slower to catch on. A great start has been made with the Diploma in Creative and Media, offering young people in England the chance to develop knowledge, experience and skills with direct employer involvement. Creative Apprenticeships are the next level up, offering the opportunity to 'earn and learn', with the knowledge that they will be trained to meet current industry requirements. Perhaps an antedote to the large numbers of arts graduates having to take unpaid positions in order to gain the experience to secure a paid job in the arts?

In his White Paper: The Importance of Teaching, Michael Gove indicates a clear move towards on-the-job training through a 'school-centred initial teaching training and the graduate teacher programme'.

Do you think more workplace opportunities would help the creative sector? How can creative sector employers be supported and encouraged to take learners?