Planning | Production | Post-Production

Skilled Trade Academy, a workforce development initiative under Opportunity for Work & Learning, engaged us to produce a program awareness film designed to increase visibility and communicate the impact of its training model.

The project was completed on a focused production schedule, requiring one full day of on-location filming followed by multiple days of editing and revision. Interviews were conducted with instructors, program leadership, and current participants to capture a balanced perspective of the academy’s mission, training environment, and real-world outcomes.

The film highlights the academy’s emphasis on hands-on trade skills such as carpentry and construction, while also showcasing its deeper investment in workplace readiness. Beyond technical instruction, the program equips students with OSHA 10 safety certification, resume development, interview preparation, communication skills, and team collaboration training. Many participants enter the program with limited experience or significant life barriers, including recovery and justice system involvement. The narrative focuses on growth, accountability, and transformation.

Structurally, the piece moves from personal uncertainty and early challenges to confidence, skill acquisition, and career direction. Participant testimonials underscore the supportive culture of the program, the individualized instruction from leadership and staff, and the practical pathway toward immediate employment in high-demand trades.

This project required:
• Focused interview planning to align messaging with program awareness goals
• Single-day, multi-subject production scheduling
• Capturing both instructional and testimonial footage
• Narrative shaping from multiple speaker perspectives
• Efficient post-production turnaround with client revisions

The final film serves as a recruitment and awareness tool, clearly communicating that Skilled Trade Academy is not just trade training, but a structured, supportive pathway toward employment, stability, and long-term opportunity in the construction industry.