Music Forward, a national non-profit organization and Live Nation’s charity arm, recognizes National Apprenticeship Week by celebrating its federally recognized apprenticeship program - the first of its kind nationally that focuses specifically on music and live entertainment. Apprenticeships bolster Music Forward’s mission to pave the way for the next generation of industry talent by helping young leaders transition from music enthusiasts into seasoned professionals via competitive training, professional development, on-the-job training, and mentorship and coaching. This innovative program is revolutionizing how young people from underrepresented communities gain the skills, experience, and mentorship they need to thrive in one of the most dynamic industries in the world.
The journey to this first-ever registered apprenticeship in music and live entertainment began pre-pandemic via Music Forward harnessing its connections at the California Department of Education, community-based organizations, arts media and entertainment industry leaders BRIC Foundation (BRIC), Entertainment Equity Alliance (EEA) and Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) coming together to assess the role of workforce stakeholders in supporting a thriving and diverse arts and entertainment industry. This process led to the realization that registered apprenticeships are a vital part of preparing the next generation of industry professionals.
"This historic apprenticeship program bridges training, education, and high-skill, high-wage jobs in music and live entertainment, addressing challenges around building an inclusive industry and cultivating its long-term sustainability,” explains Music Forward Foundation Executive Director Nurit Smith. “With support from our employer partners, we are providing paid, hands-on experience to kick-start careers and drive economic mobility. This initiative is a critical addition to our work, our youth, and the industry we serve.”
These career paths are being built in partnership with high schools in the Centinela Valley Union High, Compton Unified and Los Angeles Unified school districts along with the California Department of Education’s Arts, Media, and Entertainment (AME) and Career Technical Education (CTE) industry sector schools plus Compton College - who are all teaching essential workplace skills, training students on creative processes and industry-standard technology and emulating professional environments to create authentic learning experiences for students. From San Francisco to San Diego, Music Forward works to reach young professionals, giving them the tools they need to launch successful careers in the music and live entertainment industries. Since its launch, Music Forward has received over 200 applicants interested in apprenticeships. Of those applicants, 92% are BIPOC and 61% female - ensuring the program supports underrepresented voices.
National Apprenticeship Week: November 17-23, 2024, is a nationwide celebration where employers, industry representatives, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, educational institutions, and Federal, State, and local government agencies host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship for strengthening our economy by developing a highly skilled workforce to meet industry needs, creating pathways for career seekers to catapult into good jobs, and advancing racial and gender equity. National Apprenticeship Week gives registered apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to showcase their programs, facilities, and apprentices in their community. To learn more about Music Forward Foundation’s apprenticeship program, visit HERE.
