followed by a roll out to various other provinces over the next twelve months on a short term and thereafter a long term objective of Formal training in the music industry, which would need to be channeled through the MAPPP-SETA who support training in the Arts and Culture sector. There have been successful consulting processes from experienced music legends like Craig Jones (sub committee ) and Rosie Katz.

The document intends to outline short and long-term opportunities and to provide a broad understanding of the skills development ‘environment'.

It must be noted that the focus will be on the training of AIRCO members only. A separate approach will be required if AIRCO seeks to deliver training to other industry practitioners.   

Key objective

To design and implement a short and long-term skills development plan for AIRCO members

Short-term objectives (2007/08)

Informative programme.

• To assess the needs of members (specifically) relating to business and managerial skills
• To secure funding for activities to address these needs
• To plan and implement the 1st Series of Workshops

Long-term objectives (2008-2010)

Formal training programme.

• To assess accredited training opportunities and determine AIRCO's approach
• To strengthen workshop series

Short-term objectives

It is AIRCO's intention to implement a year-long series of workshops during 2008 which will be accessible to the entire membership database.   Only AIRCO members will be encouraged to attend these workshops, which will be primarily targeted at emerging labels.

AIRCO has expressed the wish to launch the (1st Series) workshops in February 2008 in Gauteng and a programme roll out to all targeted provinces.  These workshops will focus on information commonly asked by members, specifically emerging labels.

The focus of the workshops will be on issues like

• An Introduction to what is required to own a Record Label.
• Personnel
• How to get started
• Legalities (Contracts).
• Publishing and copyright.
• Introduction to digital downloads
• Needletime
• Anti-piracy
• Distribution
  

Long-term objectives

Formal Training

Formal training in the music industry would need to be channeled through the MAPPP-SETA who support training in the Ars and Clture sector.

AIRCO would need to assess whether the organization enters into the formal training environment, and could seek assistance from the MAPPP-SETA in this process.   Options could include:

• To seek accreditation as a training provider
• To partner with an already accredited training provider
• To utilize the services of an already accredited training provider
• To develop material that could be used in music business training

Learning Materials

A great opportunity exists for AIRCO to develop training material for current and potential Music Business Training. This is strengthened by AIRCO's understanding and knowledge of the sector. Material developers could be appointed to research and write the material.

Training

Training would be conducted by accredited trainers, and AIRCO will need to source trainers, who will in turn seek accreditation.

Phase two

Planning and implementation

An AIRCO Sub-Committee currently exists that meets on a regular basis. Craig Jones also forms part of this committee (together with Antos Stella and Dodo Monamodi).   Notes on Training, submitted by Craig Jones, are not attached to this document and can be obtained from Dodo.

The internet can also become a valuable tool in disseminating information, and AIRCO will develop Learning Materials for Members and publish them in the AIRCO website's Knowledge Base.

Budgeting

It was established that AIRCO does not have a current skills development budget, and that external funding / sponsorship will need to be sourced to implement this.  Opportunities for funding include

• MAPPP-SETA
• Department of Arts and Culture
• Provincial Department of Sport, Arts and Culture

A budget has been prepared for potential workshops, as it would be necessary to ascertain:

Workshops:

• The frequency and location of workshops
• The inclusion of members from the various provinces
• Who will deliver the training, i.e. AIRCO members or external trainers
• The duration of the workshops
• The type of learning materials to be developed for workshops·

Formal training:

The budgeting of formal training could be done parallel to the assessment process to establish if AIRCO seeks to enter into the formal training environment.