SYRACUSE, N.Y. — WCNY, Central New York’s public broadcasting and communications organization, says it’s accepting applications for the winter session of its Entertainment Academy, with classes scheduled to start on Jan. 2, 2025.
WCNY’s Entertainment Academy is a 14-week training program offered twice a year (fall and winter sessions) and focused on the TV and film-production trades.
The Academy provides training for the next generation of television and film-production engineers, electricians, set designers, sound mixers, and camera operators to “help support the growing entertainment industry in Central New York,” WCNY says.
The program also creates a pathway for job placements through local unions, including I.A.T.S.E. Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics which provides craft specialists to serve as instructors, offering a real-world baseline of knowledge and industry-specific skills.
WCNY is located at 415 W. Fayette St. in Syracuse.
Academy specifics
Anyone between the ages of 25 and 39 can apply for WCNY’s Entertainment Academy. Training sessions are scheduled on Thursdays and Fridays between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Those participating can become certified in 14 weeks, including OSHA and Aerial Lift certifications.
WCNY says those involved will be “job-ready” upon course completion and can get assistance with job placement as well. Those participating could secure jobs where they can earn up to $45 per hour, WCNY noted.
Anyone interested can learn more about WCNY’s Entertainment Academy by visiting the WCNY website at wcny.org/academy.