PRG Apprentice Team Stages First for Production Futures

Production Futures recently staged another successful ON TOUR event at Fly By Nite Studios in Redditch. Young people from across the Midlands were able to connect with representatives of Production Futures’ brand partners to explore paid work opportunities and free training across the sector.

A feature of the event was the presence of a team of apprentices from leading global production specialists, PRG. With 38 locations in 29 countries across six continents, PRG specialises in lighting, audio, video, rigging, automation, digital services, camera, broadcast and design for events of every size and scale, from concept to execution.

Having been engaged by Production Futures to build and equip the event’s TALKS Stage with audio, lighting and video provision, PRG, which places a strong emphasis on in-house education and training, suggested using the occasion as an opportunity to provide its apprentices with valuable real-world, hands-on experience. Dovetailing perfectly with Production Futures’ vision, PRG’s apprentices, who divide their two-year apprenticeship between in-service training and studying with the Access Creative College, stepped forward to deliver every technical requirement of the TALKS Stage. To maximise the opportunity, the project was included as part of the apprentice scheme’s assessment, enabling the participants to use the experience as evidence toward their final qualification.

Hannah Eakins, Chief Executive of Production Futures, comments:

“The TALKS Stage is an important focal point of our events, and the PRG apprentices provided us with a superb platform with which to connect to all the young people attending the show. In addition to building the stage, they delivered lighting and audio of an exceptional standard, as well as live streaming and recording the bitesize talks for our newly-launched, on-demand TALKS Stage YouTube channel. This was an inspiring demonstration of exactly what we are seeking to achieve through Production Futures. In a word – flawless!”

Leigh Yeomans, Head of People Services at PRG adds:

“We had 11 apprentices working on the stage during the event and it was an absolute pleasure to support Production Futures with another one of their highly successful ON TOUR events, especially at what we considered to be our home show! Our apprentices revelled in the opportunity to get hands on with such a variety of technical equipment in a live environment and they certainly did Production Futures and PRG proud!”

Katie Bambridge, Business Account Manager (Events and Music) for Access Industry concludes:

“We’re thrilled to witness the impactful contribution of PRG’s apprentices at Production Futures. Their involvement was instrumental in making the event a success. As the training provider for PRG’s apprenticeship program, Access Industry takes immense pride in nurturing such remarkable talent.”