Local 600 Lends Expertise to “Chicago Made”

15 January 2022

A new and exciting workforce development program in Chicago is turning out to be a win-win both for the Windy City and its film industry. The program, which spans disciplines, is titled Chicago Made, and  Local 600 is playing a vital role in identifying and mentoring two new digital utilities who will eventually become Local 600 members.

Following in the footsteps of job training nonprofits like Hollywood CPR in Los Angeles and Brooklyn Workforce Innovations in New York, Chicago Made aims to take advantage of the recent boom in filming there that has resulted in tens of thousands of production jobs over the past two years alone.

The project is a joint effort between Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s office and the Chicago Film Office at the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. More than 20 organizations – ranging from studios to advocacy groups to organized labor – will be providing expertise or training. Taking its cue from the city’s COVID-19 Recovery Task Force, Chicago Made is targeting undeserved communities. For the first cohort, the program received more than 500 applications.

“Nobody has ever done anything like this before, so we are seeing if we can adapt to the needs of the workforce,” said Chicago Film Office Director Kwame Amoaku, who added that the partnership with entertainment labor unions has proved hugely beneficial.  “The relationship we have with organized labor in Chicago is very good.”

In the first cohort of Chicago Made, approximately 25 individuals will receive job-skills training and placement across the movie and TV disciplines, including carpenters, costumers, grips, lighting technicians, production assistants and set decorators. The two camera department participants will receive their training at two area camera rental houses under the guidance of Local 600 trainers.

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