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With its strong links to sciences, engineering, new technologies and digital industries, the design industry is a key lever in delivering future economic growth. However, a number of key skills challenges threaten this growth potential, particularly the availability of appropriate education and training for those entering and currently working in the design industry. The aim of this project was to explore employer perceptions of the current entry routes into the design sector for young people aged 16-25, examine views on skills issues for new entrants in this age group and gather insight on employer perceptions of the current education system. The study focussed on providing evidence aligned to the following key questions: (1) what role do 16-25 year olds play in the design workforce?; (2) what are employers' expectations of new entrants in this age group?; (3) what routes do young people take to a career in the sector?; (4) what investment (post full-time education) do employers currently make in skills development?; and (5) how could current pathways into the sector be improved?

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This is the first comprehensive study to define, categorise and examine the size and shape of the heritage craft sector in England. Heritage craft is defined as practices which employ manual dexterity and skill and an understanding of traditional materials, designs and techniques in order to make, repair, restore or conserve buildings, other structures, modes of transport, or more general, portable objects. The key challenge presented by this research was determining a method of measuring the economic footprint of the sector. The research has therefore employed an innovative approach to delivering evidence on current performance, drivers of economic success and the future economic profile of the sector. In order to provide these solutions, the research has called on the expertise of individuals and organisations from within the sector to formulate and test ideas on methodological approach and to achieve clarity around the activities that should be encapsulated in a definition.

The report provides evidence on: (1) the economic profile of the sector, covering the number of businesses and turnover generated, the number of people employed and the productivity of the workforce; (2) the structure of the sector in terms of activities undertaken and the skills required to deliver them; (3) the likely future employment footprint of the sector; (4) the education and training required for the workforce, and from where the sector draws its workforce; and (5) the key drivers of performance, the actions taken and strategies pursued to ensure the success of businesses.

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