Regarding union-provided training, it's a great thing if a local can afford to provide it. I was an instructor in IATSE Local 720's (Las Vegas, NV) program off-and-on from 1983 to 1992. The training program was jointly operated by a Trust set up between the Nevada Resort Association (representing the hotels) and Local 720. I gave the first spotlight classes in 1983 (at that time we had one-each Strong Trouper, and Super Trouper (both long and short throw)--carbon arcs all (though the short-throw was a new one with the clock motor instead of the old DC). Later I taught basic video engineering, video projection (using CRT-based Barco and Sony graphics-grade machines), and basic computer-sourced projection (PowerPoint s/w and signal transcoding h/w). We offered multi-35mm slide projector training, but alas we never did offer 35mm or 70mm motion picture training--by the time the Trust really got going, Syufy/Century Theatres had already bought all of the screens in town and put us out of our movie theatre jobs.

The Trust bought or rented all of the equipment, paid the instructors (head rate+10%!), and provided the classes at no additional cost to the members (a portion of the member's local dues checkoff paid for the union's half). For those of you going to ShoWest and wanting a look, drop in at 720's building over on Valley View (call ahead though--I think Dale Hermann is still running the program for the union side). The high-rigging training area and shop is in the back, and the training booth and classrooms are upstairs next to the Stage Employees Credit Union. Heck, maybe Dale'd be willing to help Film-Tech out with a training presentation at ShoWest. I'm not sure how many of 720's members really appreciated how lucky they were to have access to such a training program and facilities!