Production Pathway Program

Access to tech and creative industry employment

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

The LA area is experiencing a strong and growing demand for event production training and pathways, particularly in the entertainment, arts, and media sectors. This is driven by the city's role as a global hub for these industries, and the need for a skilled, diverse workforce to support them. 
Training programs and pathways are crucial for ensuring a steady supply of talented individuals to fill roles within this industry. While an individual does not need to be part of a union to get a job in the entertainment industry, it significantly increases their chances of working on major projects and increases the ability to secure guaranteed minimum wages, healthcare, and other benefits. Many large productions, particularly in film and television, are unionized, and union membership can be a requirement or a strong preference for certain roles. 
With one in six jobs in Los Angeles linked to the creative economy, this work significantly contributes to the state's economy and job market. 

Production Pathways is a free workforce development program designed to create sustainable career pathways in live event production. Leveraging its IATSE Union-Local 33 partnership for industry-standard expertise and support, Production Pathways trains future professionals in various event production components, so they are prepared be successful in living-wage careers in the creative economy.
Through technical training, mentorship, and real-world application, Production Pathways positions participants secure long-term careers in live event production. Objectives include: Develop Job-Ready Skills; Ensure Workplace Safety & Readiness; Facilitate Industry Access; and Foster Long-Term Career Sustainability.
Our approach is innovative as we 1)collaborate with a broad spectrum of industry leaders and stakeholders who normally are not engaging with one another - IATSE local 33, Healing Urban Barrios, Homeboy Industries and City of LA Rec and Parks, 2) expand opportunities for ‘journeymen’ to upskill in the marketplace, 3) create on the job /hands on learning opportunities which is not common in the field, 4) work with OSHA to create new learning modules for stagecraft crew workers based off a model that is exclusively for IATSE members, creating a new classification that will be certified and 5) create an intergenerational learning space where more experienced workers are sharing skills with the next generation.

On a macro level, a stronger production economy boosts the local economy by creating jobs, increasing wages, increasing creative content, and attracting dollars outside of the county for events. A robust production economy will attract both local and external investment, further fueling growth and development, cementing Los Angeles as being viewed as a hub for creativity and innovation. Skilled, behind-the-scenes crews are critical to bringing creative visions to life. At the microeconomic level stimulates earning and opportunities for workers and businesses on which the production industry relies, including but not limited to marketing, graphic designers and, of course, artists.
As the only fully bilingual outdoor music venue in the region, Levitt LA centers its programming to connect to/resonate with the many diasporic communities that make up Los Angeles. This intentionality serves to promote the diversity of our community in the production industry.