Apprenticeship program helps underrepresented youth enter Hollywood careers

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom recently visited an apprenticeship program designed to provide career opportunities for underrepresented youth in California's entertainment industry. The visit took place at The Handy Foundation offices and a sound stage and production training facility at the local 80 (IATSE) offices. The program, supported by industry partners such as Netflix, Lionsgate, and Bunim-Murray Productions, focuses on training young people for "below-the-line" roles in the entertainment sector.

The Handy Foundation is a strategic partner of the California Film Commission and a recipient of the 2025 California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) Grant. This grant supports pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs across the state.

"California is the global center of the creative economy and more young Californians—from all walks of life—should be able to pursue career paths within our iconic entertainment industry," said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.

Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development, emphasized the effectiveness of apprenticeships in connecting young people to meaningful careers: "The Handy Foundation is demonstrating how apprenticeships can bring together labor and industry to expand access and equity across California’s film and television workforce."

Governor Gavin Newsom has supported expanding the California Film Commission’s Film and Television Tax Credit Program to a $750 million credit package. This initiative aims to protect jobs, strengthen small businesses, and invest in California's creative economy.

"The Governor’s expansion of the film and TV tax credit program sends a clear message: California is serious about building a stronger, more inclusive entertainment industry," stated Ri-Karlo Handy, CEO & Founder of The Handy Foundation.

The press release also highlighted Black Women’s Equal Pay Day on July 10th. Brooke Nicholas, a Handy Foundation Production Coordinator alumna, expressed that equity in pay is transformative for Black women in an industry where their contributions have often been overlooked.

Dalia Soto-Beltran, another alumna from HF Assistant Editor Alum now working in the industry, noted her gratitude for organizations like The Handy Foundation that open doors for diverse voices.

Launched in 2020, The Handy Foundation collaborates with various entities to create pathways for underrepresented talent in entertainment careers.