Skills Upgrade

Film Training Manitoba (FTM) supports the ongoing skills development of professional crewmembers in the film, television and digital media industry.

FTM’s upgrade program encourages opportunities for on-the-job training for qualified crewmembers, upgrading their skills and advancing to more senior positions. The goal of the program is to provide crewmembers with training support as they take on new challenges and develop new skills.

Participants are assigned a crew trainer and are exposed to the best practices of the industry.

Upgrade placements are available primarily to local union members who are working on a current production (IATSE Local 856, IATSE Local 669, and Directors Guild of Canada). All upgrade training is approved on a case-by-case basis, subject to industry training priorities that are determined annually by the community.

FTM assists in designing a training plan and evaluating the placements.

All parties must sign a letter of agreement, outlining the terms, mutual obligations and expectations of the upgrade placements.

NOTE: Short films, student films, and commercials are not eligible for this program. Work placements on unionized film productions will be given priority.

The funding for this Film Training Manitoba program is generated from our course revenues.  As a result, only a limited number of placements will be available each quarter.

Criteria for FTM Skills Upgrade Program

Film Training Manitoba delivers on the job training for crewmembers in high demand positions. FTM works closely with the industry to identify skill gaps and training needs within the film community.

All trainees must complete Set Orientation with a passing grade. This program is for crewmembers who have already been hired to work on a production in a new job category.

Work Experience placements must:

  • be identified as a training priority by the community
  • contribute to the skill development of the participants
  • be approved by the relevant labour organization
  • be evaluated by Film Training Manitoba

Film Training Manitoba requires:

  • a training plan listing the skills that the trainee(s) will develop as a result of this placement; the training plan must include:
    • resumé and crew position of the trainer
    • resumé of the trainee
  • company information including a credit list of productions that have had theatrical releases or on air broadcasts
  • that all training is in place and agreements are signed, prior to the first day of principal photography

Placements are assessed on the readiness of the trainee(s), the qualifications of the trainer and the quality of the training opportunity.

Production Companies must:

  • submit the training plan identifying all training opportunities to be considered for work experience support
  • contribute a portion of the trainee’s wage
  • provide Employment Insurance, CPP, Vacation Pay and Worker’s Compensation
  • include FTM to the production’s Commercial General Liability insurance
  • allow FTM to conduct work site visits to monitor the trainees progress
  • include FTM in the credits, if applicable

Work experience placements are training opportunities. No guarantees are made regarding future employment in the film industry.

Funding for work experience placements are generated through workshop revenue. As a result only a limited number of placements are available per year.

Film Training Manitoba reserves the right to terminate a work placement if the production company is not able to meet the work experience criteria.

*Priority is given to union productions.

For more information on FTM’s Work Experience Program, please contact:

Allison Bile, Training Coordinator

Ph: 204.989.9669
Email: allison@filmtraining.mb.ca

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