479 NEWS

Education Center Expansion Underway

2017 Education Center Expansion lead graphic

2017 EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAM

Since its inception in 2014 the demands on Local 479’s Education Program have continued to scale along with our growth in membership. Dedicated training space has been of prime importance to the education program, with an eye toward minimizing the disturbance to the main office while allowing multiple classes to be conducted simultaneously.

In 2016 the Executive Board set aside a portion of the headquarter building’s leasable space to accommodate the needs of the Education Department. In the summer of 2017 work began on this expansion program, along with a build-out of more than 2,700 square feet of office space for the local’s newest tenant, IA 834 (Exhibition & Trade Show).

Interior furnishings are being specified and construction is expected to be complete before the end of the year, with the Education Department occupying the new space by the beginning of 2018.

Summary of Education Expansion

  • Original Training Workshop converted to a full-time mill space
  • 6,400 square feet dedicated space for Education Department
    • NEW Workshop for hands-on training by various crafts, featuring:
      • 13 foot high ceiling
      • large roll-up door
    • NEW Classroom A
      • same video conferencing and AV equipment as the main assembly hall
      • can seat up to 55 people
      • computer lab
    • NEW Classroom B
      • can seat up to 20 people
      • sound-dampened walls to accommodate boom and sound training
    • NEW Conference Room
    • NEW Dedicated Reception Area
    • NEW Office Spaces for Director and Assistant Director of Education
    • NEW Restrooms
    • NEW Storage space for education materials & equipment

Director of Education Kevin Amick explains “Local 479 is committed to its education and training programs and this investment in the Education Department will benefit our membership and Georgia’s film industry for years to come.  We look forward to introducing our members and partners to this new space next year, and rolling out new and improved classes to prepare members for the needs of production.”