Kickstart your film career with this entry-level program designed to equip you with the essential skills to work safely and confidently as a Production Assistant on B.C. sets.
Kickstart your film career with this entry-level program designed to equip you with the essential skills to work safely and confidently as a Production Assistant on B.C. sets. Creative Pathways™ is partnering with INFilm Skills Training to deliver Production Assistant Training for people living in B.C. who are keen to enter the motion picture industry.
Production Assistants (PAs) play a crucial role in the preparation and shooting of a production, as well as in supporting the set on filming days. This entry-level program is for those in early stages of their career and eager to gain the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities to work safely and confidently on B.C. motion picture sets as a Production Assistant.
9-week training program
(Mandatory online + in-person training)
January 12-March 13, 2026
Tuition-free course
($1,450 Value)
Up to 20 participants
Eligibility
- B.C. resident and based in the Lower Mainland
- Legally entitled to work in Canada
- 19+ years of age or older
- Valid B.C. driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
- Have graduated and/or completed any full-time, post-secondary education by December 31, 2025
- Have less than 12 months of paid production experience
- Have reliable access to a computer and reliable internet (participation by mobile phone is not sufficient)
Who should apply?
This program is suited for individuals who:
Understand that the nature of the film industry is freelance, and are passionate about pursuing employment in the motion picture industry by starting in an entry-level position as a Production Assistant
Are motivated and can commit to all aspects of the training program (attendance is mandatory for all online and in-person sessions)
Enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, and hold strong organizational, interpersonal, and critical thinking abilities
Acknowledging that there have been systemic barriers to access, and that supporting new and diverse talent is crucial to a vibrant and thriving motion picture industry, individuals who self-identify as belonging in one or more systemically excluded groups are strongly encouraged to apply: Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, Women, Non-binary, or people with disabilities.
For more information, see Creative BC’s actions for equity and inclusion in program delivery
Fees
This program is tuition-free thanks to public provincial funds.
Participants are responsible for all other expenses, including travel and transportation costs, accommodation, meals, and gear/equipment relevant to training.
Application closes: November 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM PT
Interviews: December 9-13, 2025
Participant confirmation: December 15-19, 2025
Online course: January 12-March 6, 2026
In person course: March 9-13, 2026
Course Schedule
This training program includes both mandatory online and in-person training
Online Training Modules
Taking Place January 12-March 6, 2026
Online Course Curriculum
Online instructor-led sessions occur every Thursday from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PT, with Monday sessions during Week 1, an additional weekday session during Week 8 of the program, and a weekend session (January 24, 2026) to complete industry-related training.
The full schedule will be shared with participants by December 19, 2025.
- Week 1: Program Orientation, Introductions (Students & Teachers), Expectations, Marking Overview, Foundations of Film
- Week 2: Introduction to the Production Assistant Role
- Week 3: Production Assistants on Location (Part 1)
- Week 4: Respectful & Diverse Workplace / Healthy Habits for Success
- Week 5: Production Assistants on Location (Part 2)
- Week 6: Attitudes, Skills, Attributes of a Successful PA / The Production Assistant Toolkit
- Week 7: Communications and Interpersonal Skills / Essential Workplace Skills
- Week 8: Seeking a Job / It’s a Wrap
In-person Training
Taking place March 9-13, 2026
- 2 days: Traffic Control Program (TCP) training (March 9-10, 2026)
- 3 days: PA Training (March 11-13, 2026)
An additional weekend session (March 14, 2026) may be required to complete industry-related certificates.
Participants will be responsible for acquiring their own gear to participate in the hands-on PA Training and TCP training:
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots with a minimum 6-inch ankle protection
- Clothing to protect you from the weather (e.g. rain gear – jacket and pants)
- Work gloves are recommended
Certifications Upon Completion
Participants will have completed the following industry-related certifications by the end of the program:
- WHMIS
- Actsafe Safety Awareness
- Traffic Control Person (TCP)
- Motion Picture Industry Orientation Program (MPIO)
- Anti-Bullying & Harassment
- Inclusive Workplaces for Film + TV Workers
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a Production Assistant do?
For an overview of the role of a Production Assistant, visit the career page.
For a deeper dive into what it’s like to work as a Production Assistant, see this Production Assistant Helper Guide.
Do I have to pay to take this training?
This online course and in-person training are tuition-free thanks to public provincial funds.
Participants are responsible for all other expenses, including travel and transportation costs, accommodation, meals, and gear/equipment relevant to training.
Will I be automatically accepted if I apply?
- This is an application-based program. Applicants will be reviewed for eligibility. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.
- Applicants need to have a desire to work in a fast-paced, rewarding, and dynamic industry. Individuals who are creative, detail-focused, have a strong aptitude for working with their hands and on their feet, are self-motivated, and appreciate working with a team are well-suited to the sector.
- As this is a tuition-free course, only those candidates who are committed to the entire length of the program should apply.
Do I need any particular equipment to participate?
Online training modules
- Participants must have a computer and a reliable internet connection (a mobile phone will not suffice).
In-person training
- Participants will be responsible for acquiring their own gear to participate in the hands-on training portion:
- CSA-approved steel-toed boots with a minimum 6-inch ankle protection
- Clothing to protect you from the weather (e.g. rain gear – jacket and pants)
- Work gloves are recommended
What if I can't commit to the entire duration of the program?
This program requires full participation. Only apply if you can commit to:
- 100% attendance at all online sessions and in-person training
- Completion of all online learning modules and exercises
- Active participation throughout the program
Important: There are no make-up classes. If you miss any session, whether online or in-person, you will not be able to complete the program.
Are there limited seats in this program?
Yes, seating is limited. Only up to 20 individuals will be accepted into the program.
I don't live or work in the Lower Mainland, can I still apply?
This program is currently open only to people living in the Vancouver region (Lower Mainland, B.C.).
Will I receive a grade for this program?
Yes, students will either pass or fail. The program grading matrix is as follows:
- Online Training Modules: 60%
- In-Person Training: 20%
- Participation: 20%
Will this guarantee me a job afterwards?
This program does not provide or guarantee employment after completion; however, participants will have been given the skills, knowledge, and abilities to confidently work on set as a Production Assistant and resources to find employment opportunities. Participants will also become part of the Creative Pathways™ community.