Long Beach’s Department of Economic Development and Opportunity has launched its new Creative Corps Entertainment Production Assistant Program to prepare residents interested in careers in the entertainment industry.
The new workforce development initiative was designed to prepare young adults for careers in film, television, live events, broadcast production, digital media and the broader entertainment industry, according to a press release.
Applications are available online until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.
“Long Beach is rapidly becoming a premier destination for world-class entertainment, and the Creative Corps Program will connect our local residents with emerging opportunities in an industry shaping our city’s future,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “We are ensuring that the continued growth of our booming entertainment sector directly benefits the people of Long Beach.”
The no-cost pilot program, administered by the department’s Long Beach Workforce Innovation Network Youth Career Services Center, in partnership with Codega Media, will train a cohort of 10 young adults ages 18 to 24 through industry-led production assistant training, career coaching and paid work-based learning opportunities that connect participants directly to employers throughout Southern California’s growing entertainment ecosystem, the press release said. Training is expected to take place on Sept. 23 and 24 at the LBWIN Youth Center Services Center, 508 W. Willow St.
“By combining industry-recognized training with paid, real-world experience and comprehensive support services, we are preparing the next generation of talent for meaningful careers in the entertainment industry,” Bo Martinez, director of EDO, said in a statement. “This initiative is about creating opportunity, strengthening our workforce and building the professional networks and career pathways that will help fuel Long Beach’s creative economy for years to come.”
A virtual information session for prospective participants interested in learning more about the program will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 26.
Participants will gain essential production assistant training and be introduced to various career paths that may include roles, the press release said, such as stagehand, live event production technician, broadcast production assistant, camera production assistant, audio and lighting assistant, event operations support, digital media production assistant, production office assistant, and streaming and live broadcast support.
Cohort members will also be introduced to a variety of entry-level positions with production companies, event operators, convention facilities and entertainment venues.
Following classroom instruction, officials said, participants may connect to paid work experience and employment opportunities with entertainment employers, venues, production companies, and public-serving entertainment facilities.
The program is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Adult and Youth programs, the press release said. It will prioritize applicants who face barriers to education or employment, including those who have experienced housing instability, foster care, justice involvement, disabilities, low-income circumstances or other related challenges.
The program also supports Long Beach’s investment in the creative economy and builds upon Richardson’s vision to make the city a premier destination for arts, entertainment, tourism and innovation, officials said.
As the city expands its entertainment infrastructure, including the new F&M Bank Amphitheater of Long Beach and ongoing investment in the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, officials said, there is a growing demand for a skilled local workforce to support various major productions such as concerts, festivals, television and film, live broadcasts, conventions, sporting events and more.
“There’s no shortage of talent in Long Beach – there’s a shortage of access,” Melanie Mack, president of Codega Media, said in a statement. “Codega Media designed the Creative Corps Production Assistant Program in partnership with the city to open that door – training residents for real careers in film and television and getting them working, not someday, but right now.
“The entire LBWIN team has been welcoming from day one,” Mack added, “and we’re thrilled about this partnership and the change we’re going to build together.”
For more information about the program and other workforce opportunities, visit longbeach.gov/workforce.