WCNY Entertainment Academy seeks applicants for the spring session

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — WCNY, Central New York’s member-supported public-media organization, announced it is now accepting applications for the spring session of its Entertainment Academy.

Classes are scheduled to start on May 2, per the WCNY announcement.

The Entertainment Academy is a 14-week training program in the TV and film- production trades that WCNY offers three times a year.

The training targets 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.”

The program also leads to potential job placements through local unions. They include I.A.T.S.E. Local 52 Motion Picture Studio Mechanics, which provide 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 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.