Bowser Administration Partners with IATSE Local 22 to Create Training Opportunities for DC Residents

Saturday, September 8, 2018
IATSE Local 22 Training Fund DC Resident Job Training Assistance Program Announced

The Bowser Administration today announced a historic partnership between the District of Columbia Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) and the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 22 (IATSE Local 22) Training Fund. The agreement establishes a first of its kind training assistance program that provides subsidies to District residents interested in gaining skills in theatrical staging.  

“Through this partnership, we’re keeping DC the capital of creativity and building new pathways to the middle class for Washingtonians,” said Mayor Bowser. “Together, we’re giving more residents the support and opportunities they need to pursue their dreams and prepare for good-paying careers in the District’s thriving creative economy.”

The training classes supervised by the IATSE Local 22 Training Fund provide individuals on the IATSE Local 22 referral list specialized technical training classes covering a full range of skills used in the entertainment industry, including carpentry, lighting, rigging, audio, and projection.

“IASTE Local 22 and the IATSE Local 22 Training Fund, directed by Anita Hartsock, are excited about this new partnership with Mayor Bowser and OCTFME,” said Chuck Clay, President of IASTE Local 22. “We are thrilled to be involved with this program that will expand District residents’ access to the Training Fund’s professional education opportunities.”

The new agreement between the city and IATSE Local 22 supports the District government’s commitment for high-level creative economy vocational training for DC residents on the IATSE Local 22 referral list, and offers participating residents an opportunity to obtain the professional technical skills required to advance up the IATSE classification tier.

“OCTFME is proud to play a part in making professional entertainment technical training more available to District residents,” said OCTFME Director Angie M. Gates. “This historic announcement continues the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment’s commitment to help create entertainment jobs, job training opportunities and apprenticeships in the creative economy for District residents

The formal agreement announcement took place at the IATSE Local 22 Headquarters, 1810 Hamlin St. NE, Washington, DC 20018, in Ward 5, on Saturday September 8, 2018.   

About OCTFME

OCTFME creates content that informs, educates, and entertains viewers via the District of Columbia’s public, educational, and government (PEG) channels, Radio and other forms of content which includes film and social media.  OCTFME currently operates three television networks, DCN, DCC, DKN distributed by Comcast, RCN and Verizon, and DC Radio - 96.3 HD4, one of only two municipally owned radio stations in the country.

Twitter: @Entertain_DC               Facebook:  www.facebook.com/EntertainDC

Instagram: @Entertain_DC          Website: www.entertainment.dc.gov

About IATSE Local 22

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE (full name: International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States) is a labor union representing over 140,000 technicians, artisans and craftspersons in the entertainment industry (including live theatre, motion picture and television production, and trade shows). Local 22 represents IATSE members living and working in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Major IATSE 22 employers/signatories include: Capital One Arena, Kennedy Center, Walter E. Washington Convention Center, GLP Productions Inc., Wolf Trap, Warner Theatre, National Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Strathmore Hall, and Jiffy Lube Live Arena.

About IATSE Local 22 Training Fund

The IATSE Local 22 Training Fund is a tax-exempt a 501(c)(3) corporation trust fund. Training being offered includes continuing classes in both basic and advanced skills for anyone on the IATSE Local Union 22 referral list. Class instructors and classes cover a full range of skills used in the industry, including carpentry, lighting, rigging, audio, and projection. The instructors set up exercises that students may actually encounter on a union job.

About IATSE Local 22 Referral List

The IATSE Referral list is a fair and equitable system of referrals supervised by IATSE Local 22. The referral system allows individuals approved by IATSE Local 22 to be made available for job assignment with union signatories. The “referral categories” range from “A” List (most experienced) to “D” List (least experienced). The list assignment is based on individual experience, the completion of specified training classes, and the passing of technical examinations.

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