Re-training programme launched at Roehampton University

12:30 21st April 2009

A new re-training programme at London's Roehampton University has been launched to help people made redundant from the creative industries.

Free development courses will be offered to industry professionals using a £500,000 fund provided by the Economic Challenge Investment Fund, which is run by the Higher Education Funding Council for England.

People in London and the south-east will have access to 1,700 non-accredited courses focussing on continuing professional development, some of which could include computer training courses.

Stephen Hughes, director of research and business development at Roehampton University, said: "Local professionals and businesses in the creative industry are encouraged to take advantage of this scheme, which promises to boost performance without damaging the bottom-line at a time when many are struggling to stay afloat."

The move was made when the university realised that the creative industries needed immediate assistance after suffering from the recession much like other sectors.

Capital Economics, an economic research consultancy, recently warned that unemployment in the UK could reach 3.5 million within two years.