Apprenticeships, particularly in fields like the arts, media, and entertainment (AME), offer a model of workforce education grounded in real-world experience and mentorship.
At the core of this model is a commitment to work-based learning. Apprentices gain invaluable insights into their chosen fields by working alongside seasoned professionals who guide them through real-world challenges. This experience extends beyond theoretical knowledge to develop technical and employability skills that can immediately translate into job performance.
Take, for example, apprenticeships in California’s booming AME sector. These apprentices learn the nuances of their craft while receiving mentorship from industry veterans. As they progress, they also earn industry-recognized credentials that validate their skills and enhance employability in a competitive job market.
This combination of experience, mentorship and credentialing makes apprenticeships a powerful tool for individuals seeking to build sustainable careers. It also addresses a significant gap in the labor market.
Apprenticeships as a tool for upskilling
Registered Apprenticeships offer more than just a way to enter the workforce; they are also an invaluable tool for upskilling. By providing employees with opportunities for growth and advancement, apprenticeships foster a more engaged and motivated workforce. This is particularly valuable in industries where employee retention is critical to success.
For example, employers can use apprenticeship programs to promote from within, offering employees a clear path to career advancement. This not only helps retain top talent but also reduces the need for external hiring. Furthermore, apprenticeships provide employees a structured way to learn new skills, adapt to industry changes, and improve their job performance — ultimately benefiting both the individual and the employer.
Employers leading the charge in California
California is home to many successful Registered Apprenticeship programs in AME.
- Music Forward: Empowers youth by offering music apprenticeships in production and engineering, providing pathways to careers in the entertainment industry.
- Key Code Education: Specializes in coding and digital media, offering apprenticeships in web development, game design and animation, helping young talent enter the tech side of entertainment.
- Arts2Work: Bridges the gap between education and professional careers by offering apprenticeships in multimedia production and digital editing, supporting the development of skills for the arts industry.
- BRIC Foundation: Provides apprenticeships in arts administration, programming and film production, contributing to the growth of the arts sector and training fu.ture industry leaders.
- Handy Foundation: Focuses on arts education, offering apprenticeships in theatre arts and film production, helping aspiring professionals gain hands-on experience in these creative fields.
- The EVEN Network: Offers apprenticeships in audio, lighting and staging, preparing the next generation of technicians to meet the needs of live performance and entertainment industries.
Partnerships and collaboration
Another key strategy for scaling apprenticeships is through collaboration between employers, local education agencies (LEAs), and workforce development agencies. By connecting with LEAs, employers can leverage their expertise and resources to create more effective apprenticeship programs. LEAs can help employers access talent pools, provide educational resources and ensure that programs align with academic standards.
Similarly, workforce development agencies and community colleges play an essential role in connecting apprentices with employers, particularly in underserved communities. By working with these institutions, employers can tap into a broader and more diverse talent pool. These collaborations help ensure that apprenticeship programs reach a wide range of individuals.
“Building strong industry-college partnerships and co-developing flexible, competency-based programs can address these challenges,” said Justin Susi. “Registered Apprenticeship programs must be dynamic in approach. An apprentice may not have the same position at the beginning or end of the apprenticeship.”
Conclusion
Through the strategic use of intermediaries, the empowerment of employees, and the involvement of both large and small employers, California is paving the way for the future of apprenticeships in the arts, media, and entertainment industries. California is building a stronger, more diverse and more resilient workforce for the future.
That’s a wrap.
Karen Lyn Saysay, Ph.D., stands as a recognized CTE ambassador. With over 32 years of experience in education, she dedicated 28 years to the Los Angeles Unified School District and four years with its community colleges. She is also a distinguished alum of the Leadership Development Institute (California Department of Education, 2019) and a 2024 ACTE NextLevel fellow.
