AME-HRTP
Arts, Media, and Entertainment - High Road Training Partnership
Program Impact
554
Participants served
228
Employer Partners
380
Job Placements
147
Registered Apprentices
Building Pathways in California’s Creative Economy
An Evaluation of the Arts, Media, and Entertainment High Road Training Partnership
This report evaluates the AME-HRTP’s groundbreaking workforce development in California’s creative sector. Through registered apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeship programs, and strategic partnerships across Animation, VFX & Games; Film/TV; Live Entertainment & Events; and Music & Audio, the program demonstrates how the High Road model works–delivering strong equity outcomes, meaningful wage gains, and sustainable career pathways despite a contracting industry.
Our Mission
The AME-HRTP is an initiative by the BRIC Foundation to bridge training & education programs with employment and drive economic mobility for underrepresented arts, media & entertainment workers in California’s creative economy
What is an HRTP
Ranging from transportation to health care to hospitality, the High Road℠ Training Partnership is a model that embodies the sector approach championed by the California Workforce Development Board – industry partnerships that deliver equity, sustainability, and job quality. High Road Training Partnerships integrate registered apprenticeship programs as the gold standard and build an alliance with industry, labor workforce boards, state & local agencies, and CTE pathways.
81% of AME-HRTP participants face at least one systemic barrier, such as low income, housing insecurity, incarceration, foster care, disability, or others.
95% said supportive services –financial assistance, transportation, and tools – were key to making their participation possible.
As a result of the program, 93% felt a greater sense of belonging and stronger professional networks – critical for long-term success in relationship-driven creative industries.
AME-HRTP Talent Directory
Connect with diverse, highly skilled, and vetted job candidates trained for the future of entertainment:
Animation, VFX + Games
Film + TV
Live Entertainment + Events
AME-HRTP Network
The AME-HRTP supports a network of Registered Apprenticeship Programs, community-based organizations, and labor unions to facilitate paid on-the-job training, mentorship, career coaching, and ongoing support for underrepresented Arts, Media, and Entertainment workers in California.
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* CBOs marked with an asterisk are also RAPS -
LA County Expanded Network
Thanks to a $1.5M investment by LA County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the AME-HRTP expanded access to high-quality training, prioritizing low-income, high COVID-impacted communities. This effort led by DEO, BRIC, and core training service providers Entertainment Industry Foundation, Group Effort, and South Bay Workforce Investment Board, broadens the pipeline of homegrown talent to support the industry’s growth in California.
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Events Vocational Education Network*
* RAPS marked with an asterisk also have Pre-Apprenticeship Programs -
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Program Sponsor Resources:
Handbooks
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RAP Sponsors
Resources for program sponsors who have Registered Apprenticeship Programs -
Educators
How education partners can participate in a Registered Apprenticeship Program -
Apprentices
How to recruit and onboard apprentices for your Registered Apprenticeship Program -
Employers
How employers can participate in an AME-HRTP Registered Apprenticeship Program
Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI)
RSI is a form of instruction designed to provide apprentices with knowledge including the theoretical and technical subjects related and supplemental to the skill(s) involved. As part of an AME-HRTP Apprenticeship Program, apprentices are required to complete 144 hours (minimum) of RSI/academic training. Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsors will work with the apprentice to establish a unique lesson plan for them that aligns with their performance and career interests.
These RSI curriculums were developed by industry professionals for industry and are intended as classroom guidance for education partners.
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BRIC RSI
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EVEN RSI
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Handy Foundation RSI
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Keycode RSI
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Music Forward Foundation RSI
History of the AME-HRTP
2021:
The Entertainment Equity Alliance (EEA) is formed, establishing a coalition of industry-connected workforce, education, government, and labor partners committed to ensuring equity and access to careers in arts, media, and entertainment industries for historically excluded and underrepresented groups.
2022:
BRIC, in partnership with the California Department of Education Arts, Media, and Entertainment industry sector, WIA, and Visual Effects Society pioneers the first federally and state-recognized Animation, VFX, and Gaming (AVG) Apprenticeship program, creating an alternative career pathway for California youth.
2023:
BRIC is awarded a historic $3.5 Million, three-year contract by the California Workforce Development Board to establish the AME-HRTP.
2024:
LA County DEO invests $1.5 Million in the AME-HRTP, expanding access to high-quality training, technical support, and career pathways for underserved communities, specifically participants residing in COVID-impacted areas in Los Angeles County
2026:
After three transformative years, the AME-HRTP demonstrates how the High Road model works – delivering strong equity outcomes, meaningful wage gains, and sustainable career pathways. Read more.
Partner Quotes
AME-HRTP Approved Training Providers
Outside of the AME-HRTP participating programs above, AME-HRTP Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship public school programs are proud to work with qualified training partners to provide students and program participants with work-based learning services and related supplemental instruction courses that map to BRIC’s classroom-based competencies.
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Cleverlike Studios
are a passionate group of educators and creators that specialize in building custom experiences inside popular video games. We produce independent content in addition to producing content for clients that are looking for uniquely compelling ways to reach younger audience.
Training Services: Game Jams, Minecraft Education, Unreal Engine curriculum
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Coalition of Festivals
and The Free Artists Matchmakers’ 144-hour Pre-Apprenticeship program prepares participants for careers in festival and live event production and project management. Aligned with BRIC’s competencies, participants gain industry exposure, and earn a Digital Badge and certificate of completion to support future career pathways.
Training Services: Live Event Production & Project Management
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Concept Art Association
is an organization committed to elevating and raising the profile of concept artists, their art and their involvement in the entertainment industries. They focus on community-building events, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy work for the artists of the concept art world.
Training Services: Figure Drawing
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GRX Immersive Labs
is a future-forward studio powering metaverse technologies to innovate storytelling, accelerate immersive education, and amplify culture. We offer an array of educational XR Storytelling and Virtual Production Training programs for K-12 to collegiate level students, independent creative artists, and more.
Training Services: Virtual Production Training
Key Partners
Animation, Visual Effects & Games
Live Entertainment & Music
Film/Television, Media Production & Design
Local Education Agency Partners
Contact Us
Have any questions or want to get involved? Contact us using the form below.
If you’re interested in joining an AME-HRTP Registered Apprenticeship Program as a Participant, check out the opportunities and ways to connect here.
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