We need to talk about Albert: Employability is Sustainability

Dr Ken Fox, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Email: kenneth.fox@canterbury.ac.uk  

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Abstract

The ongoing challenge posed by the climate emergency is not the next big issue post Coronavirus, it is the major issue that will shape the future for graduates, employers, industry, all humanity. Post-pandemic, or at least in that period where graduates can again look forward to shadowing, work experience and better prospects in terms of freelance and full-time employment in the creative industries, we cannot return to “business as usual”.

This presentation will focus on the introduction of the Albert sustainability media skills certification as part of a Year 3 employability module shared by two screen industry based courses in a UK university. Evidence from student evaluations demonstrated the certification work raised awareness of personal responsibility and a call to action that resonated with the students. With great demand in the creative industries for graduates who are Albert certified the introduction of the certification is likely to have a beneficial effect on the students’ employment prospects and highlight the interconnectedness of sustainability and employability.