IATSE Craft Advancement Program HAVING QUALIFIED WORKERS is an essential part of a successful business. For a number of years at PLASA/ESTA events, conversations about training for the entertainment and exhibition industry have been a hot topic. Plain and simple, from compliance with OSHA to knot tying, the training of workers is diffi cult for every part of our industry. It gets even more complicated trying to train workers that are hired for only a few days or hours. What training, how much training, the cost of training, safety, and productivity are just some of the concerns shared by employers, unions, workers, vendors, manufacturers, and government entities. And, each of these entities has their own priorities in handling those concerns. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) union shares these concerns. As a union, the fi rst priority is the health and safety of the workers who have chosen to be represented by that union. In response to that priority, the IATSE Craft Advancement Program (ICAP) has been created. The mission of this program is to provide training for IATSE entertainment and exhibition industry workers so that they have the reputation as the safest, most qualifi ed, and most productive workers available and to insure they deserve that reputation. The ICAP Committee was appointed by International President Matthew D. Loeb and includes: Joe Aldridge, Local 720; Sheila Pruden, Local 873; Alan Rowe, Local 728; Jim Utterback, Local 22; Willie Walters, Local One; and Eddie Raymond, Local 16. I serve as the committee chair. The committee has set up the ICAP program as a network to assist IATSE Locals, signatory companies, vendors, manufacturers, and other industry partners to provide training for Alliance members. FALL 2011 BY KENT H. JORGENSEN The mission of the ICAP program is to provide training for IATSE entertainment and exhibition industry workers so that they have the reputation as the safest, most qualified, and most productive workers available and to insure they deserve that reputation. The ICAP network includes training courses provided by the ICAP, partnerships with training providers, resources for other training, a train-the-trainer program to develop instructors, plus assistance and materials for developing training. Training courses are being offered now. These courses run the gamut from a basic safety course to rigging and entertainment lighting and electricity. The Basic Safety course includes OSHA 10 hour modules that have been tailored to some of the specifi c risks entertainment and exhibition workers may encounter in their workplaces. At the end of the course students will have completed the requirements for a General Industry, OSHA 10 hour card. Other courses cover OSHA required training like Hazard Communications, Scaffold Access, Emergency Action Plans, Personnel Protective Equipment, Fall Protection, High Angle Rescue, Lockout/Tagout, Noise Reduction, and many others. All of these courses can be put together as part of an injury and illness prevention program. More advanced courses include rigging, ropes and knots, and portable power distribution. Customized courses can also be developed as per the needs of an employer or a Local. One of the strongest elements of the ICAP is networking with safety and training professionals. The ICAP has identifi ed programs, trainers, and procedures that have operated successfully in our industry for years and will share those resources. There are Locals that have training facilities around the US and Canada. Local 720 in Las Vegas and Local 22 in Washington, DC have facilities, equipment, and trainers so a working venue doesn’t have to be shut down for training. If the ICAP doesn’t offer a specifi c course, there is probably someone in the network who can. 48 FALL 2011