OA JET PROGRAM
JOB. EDUCATION. TRAINING.
OA JET (Job Education Training) is a technical training and job placement program for emerging creatives from backgrounds that are under-represented in the industry. This program focuses on developing an employment pathway to positions in television and film productions for youth and young adults who have an interest in--but not the opportunity--to work as Production Assistants (or in other roles) on film and television sets in Richmond. Each class explores these careers through group discussions, virtual meetings with industry professionals, and assistance with soft skill development such as resume building.
Like many of OA’s programs, OA JET takes an individualized approach to training and mentorship, meeting the needs of each program participant wherever they are in their career and life.
The majority of participants of our inaugural 2021 OA JET cohort secured full-time Production Assistant positions on local television sets. This group included participants who have been working in the urban DIY film production space and had significant technical experience; they benefited from learning more about the career options available to them and how these options intersect with their own creative practice and passion.
This year’s OA JET participants will be trained using our comprehensive curriculum, which was designed in collaboration with industry professionals, to help decide the specific career and department they want to pursue. Our program specifically focuses on OA’s core competencies: film and television production.
Cohort #4 starts Summer of 2024 Deadline to apply: July 15th, 2024.
*The program is for applicants who are over 18 (or will be by July 15th, 2024) and from groups currently underrepresented in the film industry. Applicants of all experience levels are invited to apply. It is a one-year commitment that will include four months of weekly instruction.
Opportunities for Paid apprenticeships registered by the State of Virginia are available, please reach out to jasmine@oakwoodarts.org for more information!
OA JET Accelerator Program: Ongoing
**The OA JET’s accelerated program is for emerging creatives who already have a college degree with a concentration in film, video, or multimedia; or who have at least one year of experience working in, or around, film, or video production. Designed to prepare participants for crew positions on upcoming local film productions, applicants should be over 18, and from groups currently underrepresented in the film industry. This accelerated program will consist of workshops and one-on-one mentorship. Read a more in-depth description of the program here, OA JET Accelerator.
OA JET Accelerator has a rolling application for those who fulfill qualifications listed
Major film and television studios that OA JET participants have worked for:
"Local 487, IATSE is proud to be working with Oakwood Arts on creating opportunities to place participants of their program on all Union productions in Virginia. These individuals will receive training and valuable experience working on Motion pictures and Television projects side by side with the technicians of Local 487 in all departments.”
-David M. O’Ferrall, Business Agent, IATSE Local 487
Since you have been introduced to Oakwood Arts do you feel the likelihood of achieving your most desired job in the film industry has increased?
of OA JET program participants asked answered— YES!
OA program participants on the personal impact of attaining a job in the film industry:
“Oakwood Arts makes the possibility of working in the film industry a reality for people who only considered the opportunity a dream. That’s priceless.”
“I believe this opportunity can and has springboarded my confidence as well as my career aspirations. I believe in striving for more because success can happen if you work hard and are patient.”
OA program participants & Partners on work in relation to equity and inclusion in the film industry:
“In being a PA, I actively see a large gap in representation between us few people of color and our white counterparts. I believe it will take a genuine push to close that gap. I know OA can help to not only guide people of color to these jobs, but I also believe OA has the passion to truly guide production companies to hire more people of color.”
“Oakwood Arts is creating opportunities, building future film executives, and shaping a new norm for a more diverse industry.”
“Oakwood Arts is making space for more young people to be able to see themselves in the film industry in ways that have historically not been as accessible. Through their programming, more youth are being given the opportunity to show their capabilities.”
““Oakwood Arts has long identified the ingrained barriers-to-entry that exist for many BIPOC and minority students wishing to pursue creative career paths, a pervasive issue that is only recently getting the national attention it deserves. They have worked tirelessly with leaders in Virginia’s creative community to create a resource that supplies tools, instruction, and support to all young people interested in the arts, and those currently profoundly underrepresented in creative fields.””