Map Current Activity

You’ve found your crew, you’ve identified the kinds of projects that typically come to your jurisdiction and you’ve worked out where the gaps lie in both labor and skills. Next, you’ll want to identify what training is available in the jurisdiction and to consider how you might benefit from working with other organizations that can provide support, advice, solutions and funding for workforce development issues.

Many jurisdictions already have formal workplace development offices that are specifically mandated to address skills needs. In these instances, it’s obviously preferable to piggyback on existing initiatives rather than reinventing the wheel. If you don’t benefit from such an office, you’ll need to audit what kinds of training activity are being carried out for each skill group in your area. It’s also important to identify the current level of resources allocated, the methods of delivery being used and the cost effectiveness of any existing activity.

Of major importance is to identify whom your key allies are in this process – this includes local film schools and educational establishments, local film associations and locally based unions. Other potential collaborators include college administrators with responsibility for workforce development activities, educators, and trainers in universities and colleges; secondary school educators; human resources professionals; workforce and economic development practitioners, private sector trainers; proprietary school personnel and those interested in pursuing careers in workforce development. Your role is to facilitate community partnerships, develop community initiatives and convene stakeholders. In particular, attempt to foster interagency relationships in local and/or state government, and focus on building and managing those relationships so that you can create consensus towards your goals.