The NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative is bolstering the state’s growing film industry by offering comprehensive workforce training programs through the new NJ Film Academy at participating community colleges in January 2025.
The NJ Film Academy, created under the Center of Workforce Innovation for Film & Television Production, will enable students to earn industry-recognized credentials and degrees to build the skilled workforce needed to position New Jersey as a leading hub for film and television production. By leveraging their collective resources, participating community colleges will soon offer training opportunities that encompass every facet of the field.
Four county colleges that are part of the NJ Film Academy are set to start classes in January 2025: Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, Monmouth County, which will serve as the lead institution of the Center of Workforce Innovation for Film & Television Production; Mercer County Community College; Camden County College; and Hudson County Community College.
This statewide approach ensures that a skilled and credentialed workforce is available throughout New Jersey, attracting more production companies and fostering economic growth, according to an announcement this week by the New Jersey Council of County Colleges. NJCCC, working closely with NJBIA, launched the NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities initiative in 2022 to better align education and workforce training with industry needs.
By collaborating as a cohesive network, the community colleges can streamline and standardize their programs, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the latest techniques and technologies, regardless of their location within the state. This synergistic approach not only enhances the learning experience but also provides a scalable and sustainable model for meeting the ever-evolving needs of the film and TV industry.
With experienced faculty and industry-recognized curricula, the colleges forming the NJ Film Academy, led by Diane Raver, will offer three curriculum tracks: Onset Production; Production Office and Accounting; and Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe. Internships will be available in all three curriculum tracks, allowing students to gain valuable on-the-job working experience.
