HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania officials have approved a new registered apprenticeship program designed to train workers for careers in multimedia production and related creative industries.
What This Means for You
- A new state-registered apprenticeship will train workers in film, media, and digital production.
- Participants will learn technical, creative, and business skills through a year-long program.
- Graduates are expected to qualify for entry-level jobs in media, journalism, and digital content.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Creative Industries announced the approval of the Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship, a year-long program that will combine classroom instruction with paid work experience.
The program is intended to prepare participants for entry-level positions in fields including film and media production, broadcast, digital marketing, interactive design, and journalism.
“Registered apprenticeships are one of the most effective tools we have to connect Pennsylvanians to family-sustaining careers while helping employers build the workforce they need,” said Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker.
How the Apprenticeship Works
Registered apprenticeships are workforce training programs that allow participants to earn wages while learning job skills through structured training and mentorship.
The Multimedia Producer Apprenticeship will teach participants both creative and technical skills while also providing training in the business side of media production.
The apprenticeship standards—formal guidelines that define how apprentices are recruited, trained, and supervised—were developed by Big Picture Alliance, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit focused on youth education in filmmaking and digital media arts.
The organization received early development funding through Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ Creative Catalyst program.
Industry Partnerships
Big Picture Alliance will operate the program in partnership with several media and workforce organizations, including the Philadelphia Youth Media Collaborative and the Greater Philadelphia Film Office.
More than a dozen media companies are also participating in the initiative, including Maestro Filmworks and QVC.
“We hope this model can become a blueprint for breaking down barriers of entry for a wider pool of talent and contribute to the growth of a more inclusive and equitable creative industry,” said Big Picture Alliance Executive Director Aleks Martray.
Officials said the program is designed so other training providers and industry partners can adopt or expand the model in the future.
Workforce Development Context
State officials said the new apprenticeship reflects broader efforts to expand career training opportunities in Pennsylvania.
Since 2023, the state has registered 231 new apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs and supported more than 39,000 apprentices statewide.
The Shapiro administration has also increased funding for career and technical education and apprenticeship programs by about 50 percent, from $118 million to $183 million.
Officials said the goal is to expand “earn-while-you-learn” career pathways across industries including healthcare, manufacturing, information technology, transportation, agriculture, and the skilled trades.
Role of the Creative Sector
Pennsylvania Creative Industries, part of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, supports workforce and economic development in the creative sector.
Officials say the creative industries contribute more than $30 billion annually to Pennsylvania’s economy and support nearly 190,000 jobs statewide.
More information about the initiative and creative industry programs is available at https://pa.gov/arts.
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