Training Provider:

Academy of Live Technology

Skills Bootcamp:

Rigging and Live Event Production

Overview

The Rigging and Live Event Production Skills Bootcamp, delivered by the Academy of Live Technology, provided a transformative opportunity for 36 unemployed residents of Hertfordshire. Conducted with 36 learners in 2 cohorts, the first was hosted by Universal and the second was hosted by Warner Bros Studios Leavesden. The course offered hands-on training in rigging, staging, and live event production, creating a direct pathway into employment in the film and TV industry.

This Skills Bootcamp was a collaborative effort between Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Clarion Futures, and the Academy of Live Technology, with full government funding making it free for learners. The program aimed to empower individuals with sector-specific skills while providing tailored employability support.

Path to the Bootcamp

The program was born from a conversation between Hertfordshire LEP and Clarion Futures, which identified the potential for a rigging Skills Bootcamp due to the proximity of world-class film studios in the area. The Academy of Live Technology partnered to deliver a curriculum tailored to the needs of both learners and employers.

Participants, including residents of Hertsmere, Watford, and Dacorum, were recruited through local outreach efforts. Many were long-term unemployed, and some faced additional challenges, such as reliance on benefits or barriers to employment due to health or personal circumstances.

Skills Acquired

Over the course of the Bootcamp, learners developed both practical and professional skills essential for success in the production industry, including:

Rigging and Staging: Building trusses, constructing stages, and setting up lighting for live events.

Transferable Skills: Collaborative teamwork, problem-solving, and safe working practices.

Employability: Industry-specific CV writing, interview preparation, and insights into self-employment opportunities.

Additionally, the program incorporated workshops by Wenta to prepare learners for self-employment, a common pathway in the production industry.

Progression and Success

The Bootcamp saw several success stories that highlight its transformative impact:

Peter: Despite being homeless and unemployed, Peter stood out with his work ethic and willingness to learn. The course provided him with the tools to secure interviews, and he is now being considered for a role with Connection Crew, a social enterprise. Peter described the course as “life-changing.”

Aiden: A deaf learner with a passion for production, Aiden received tailored support, including CV coaching and interview preparation. His dedication impressed ITV Daytime, where he has been invited to a day assessment for a potential role.

Obinna: A former economics teacher from Nigeria, Obinna initially struggled with low confidence. Through the Bootcamp, he gained vital skills and secured a second interview with White Light, where his positive attitude was noted.

In total, 10 learners were put forward for interviews with White Light and ITV Daytime, while the rest are receiving ongoing application and interview support with Connection Crew.

Inspiring Others

The success of this Skills Bootcamp demonstrates the power of collaboration and targeted support in transforming lives. Learners not only gained industry-specific skills but also developed the confidence and connections needed to pursue meaningful careers.

Donna Donaghey, Employment Support Officer at Clarion Futures, reflected on the program's impact:

“Working in the film and TV industry can seem out of reach for many people, so it’s been fantastic to team up with Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, Hertfordshire LEP, and the Academy of Live Technology to provide this opportunity for local residents. Together, we have given them the springboard to an exciting future in the industry.”

What’s Next?

The success of the initial cohorts has inspired further delivery of the Bootcamp, with plans to expand the program to additional learners across Hertfordshire. With guaranteed interviews through partnerships like Connection Crew, the program continues to open doors for individuals ready to take the next step in their careers.

The Rigging and Live Event Production Skills Bootcamp is a testament to how innovative training programs, backed by strong partnerships, can create lasting opportunities for those who need them most.