Tech Connect 2024 graduates at Geelong Arts Centre. Credit: Ferne Millen Photography.
MEDIA RELEASE • 14 JUN 2024
On Wednesday 12 June, 23 students across regional Victoria came together at Geelong Arts Centre to celebrate their successful completion of the Tech Connect 2024 program.
Over the past 12 weeks Arts Centre Melbourne’s Production Registered Training Organisation (RTO) team have been ‘on the road again’, delivering the continuation of the renowned Tech Connect Regional Victoria Technical Production training program held across regional Victoria in 2019 & 2022.
The Tech Connect Regional Victorian program sees Arts Centre Melbourne’s skilled technical production team trainers & assessors deliver training to technical crew members attending at the two nominated hub venues taking the lead in 2024, Geelong Arts Centre & Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.
The program has been developed by ACM’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO) alongside the VAPAC Technical Managers Network (TMN) to provide a clear professional develop pathway for graduates completing the entry-level Certificate III level qualification in the nationally accredited qualification in Live Production & Technical Services so that they may progress to higher level Certificate IV level during delivery throughout 2023 & 2024.
Training at the Certificate IV level has focussed on adding technical knowledge & skills in production lighting, sound, vision and staging on top of the units delivered previously at the Cert III level.
Added units at this level have also provided a deeper dive for learners into live events risk management, production management, providing training & mentoring in the workplace and newly introduced, nationally accredited self-care planning unit of competency for workers in the creative industries.
Proudly supported by Creative Victoria, this is the fourth year of the successful Tech Connect Program which has been tailored by Arts Centre Melbourne’s RTO to help address the skills crisis felt by the live events industry from the devastating effects of the COVID industry venue closures across the state.
Geelong Arts Centre remains steadfast in its commitment to enriching the region's technical skillset, and will continue to collaborate with industry leaders and educational organisations to offer innovative and comprehensive training programs for Geelong creatives.
-ENDS-
QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“The State Government is proud to support the Tech Connect program initiative to ensure that individuals from Geelong and the surrounding areas can expertly hone their skills, seeking job opportunities that bolster our region’s vibrant arts sector. “
Quote attributable to Christine Couzens,
Member for Geelong
"The Tech Connect program has allowed us to continue to upskill our existing team members while providing a platform for aspiring technicians from across the region to develop their skills right here in regional Victoria.”
“The impact of this program will be felt far and wide as a truly game-changing initiative for Geelong Arts Centre and the wider industry.”
Quotes attributable to Angelique Helman,
Director Production & Presenter Services, Geelong Arts Centre
“We are proud to continue to deliver Arts Centre Melbourne’s Tech Connect program, the only training initiative in Australia that operates in a working theatre space.”
“The program will help build a new generation of theatre technicians, ensuring the performing arts continue to thrive in the Geelong region and across our regional Victorian network of performing arts centres."
Quotes attributable to Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Karen Quinlan AM, Arts Centre Melbourne
MEDIA ASSETS & IMAGERY
Media assets have been linked here. For access to spokespeople, please contact Communications & Social Media Lead, Marli Dean.