Benefits of Continuing Professional Development in the Visual Communications Sector in Ireland

Abstract

This research is concerned with identifying the benefits of Continuous Professional Development for the Visual Communications sector in Ireland, with the aim of establishing what benefits exist for both the employee and employer. Research is undertaken to identify CPD programmes that currently exist in other industries in Ireland for the purpose of establishing commonalities and how this may apply to the Visual Communications sector. This is achieved through a combination of literature review, desk research, surveys of employees and employers in the Visual Communications sector and a number of semi-formal interviews with representatives from various industry sectors with established CPD programmes such as Design Ireland, Engineers Ireland and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland. The main points of the literature review include defining the term Visual Communications and elaborating on sectorial breakdown and comparing the Irish sector with international markets. The term Continuing Professional Development is also defined and existing CPD programmes in Ireland are identified and discussed in context of their relevance to the Visual Communications sector. Main issues regarding CPD are outlined, in terms of models of CPD, the benefits for industry and barriers that hinder participation. Government and Education policy on CPD is also investigated. The primary research data is gathered in the form of semi-formal interviews and surveys. Through careful analysis this information is used to validate the information and data uncovered from the literature review and offers a number of perspectives into the benefits of CPD in various industry sectors in Ireland. The main points regarding benefits to participation in CPD are outlined and recommendations are made for encouraging grater participation are made and the need for partnership between industry and education in developing a meaningful CPD programme is discussed.