Government encourages teenagers on IT careers

The Government is encouraging teenagers to enter creative careers such as website and software design.

Culture Minister Janet Anderson today unveiled a new guide to show budding internet site designers, film directors, pop and television stars and fashion designers how to take the first steps on the road towards their dream careers.

New booklet highlights how to get ahead in website and software design, music, fashion, film and TV.

The Government said that these 'creative industries' in the UK are growing at twice the rate of the economy as a whole, generating £60 billion in revenue, employing more than 1.4 million people and making up more than four per cent of the UK's GDP.

The booklet 'Your Creative Future' is the result of co-operation between the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Design Council, the Arts Council of England and the Department for Education and Employment.

Designed to look like a CD, the booklet will be made available through over 7000 schools, career offices and further education institutes throughout England.

It is reported as providing profiles of people who have been successful in their chosen fields, practical up to date information on where to go for further advice, and the next career steps to take.

Speaking in advance of the launch at the Design Council in London, Janet Anderson said: "Governments cannot invent creative ability, but they can help bring opportunities within reach of people who have it, and that is what this initiative is designed to do."