FAQ Friday: Trainer Database

The Trainer Database was designed to help local unions organize their own training courses. It provides access to a wide array of trainers who offer expertise in various aspects of the entertainment and exhibition industries. By tapping into this database, local unions can search for safety and craft skills training that meets their needs.

Why should our local union use the Trainer Database?
Developing a course requires time and subject matter experts willing to write curriculum and teach. This is not always possible when there’s an immediate need for technical skills or knowledge of safety procedures for IATSE workers to succeed in their crafts. The Trainer Database provides local unions with a wealth of expertise and training courses designed to address industry-specific challenges.

How can local unions access the Trainer Database?
Accessing the Trainer Database is a straightforward process. After a local officer applies, we will create your account and email you a link where you’ll be asked to create a password. You will use these credentials to log in to the IATSE TTF’s platform and utilize the search functionality to identify courses that align with your local’s training goals.

How do we select the right trainer?
When exploring the Trainer Database, local unions should consider the specific expertise required for their training programs. By evaluating the trainers' background, experience, and areas of specialization, local unions can pinpoint the individuals best suited to lead their courses. We also encourage you to request a list of past trainings they have conducted for other locals along with references.

I want to add my courses to the Trainer Database. What do I do?
That’s great! We would love to see Trainer Database course offerings increase. You’ll need to provide a course description and outline and fill out a submission form on our website. We also recommend you include a biography that details your professional background, education, and relevant certifications that make you a suitable candidate to teach IATSE workers.

I teach the TTF’s OSHA 10-hour or 30-hour Construction/General Industry with Focus on the Entertainment Industry curriculum for our local union. Can I add my name to the Trainer Database?
Your local union provided your contact details when they listed you as a trainer on their curriculum license application, so there’s no need to resubmit your information. When a local union requests OSHA training, we review their form submission responses to determine whether their local might best be served by sending one of our OSHA Trainers to facilitate course instruction or by providing a list of trainers in their district. If you reside in the same district as that local union, we’ll include you in that list.

Our local is interested in organizing a safety or craft skills class. Is this something the TTF has that we could coordinate to present?
A list of courses available for individuals through the TTF can be found on our website and the TTF Safety First! Online Courses © are available in an Instructor Led Training (ILT) format for approved local trainers to teach in a group setting using audio narration. Trainers can facilitate interactive group courses by muting the narration if they wish or pausing to discuss their own subject matter experiences. If these courses don’t meet your local’s needs or you are looking for specific training, the Trainer Database is an excellent resource. With a Trainer Database account, you’ll be able to search by keyword and use filters to find courses by department, craft, format, location, trainer name, or industry-recognized certifications.

After you find the course your local needs, we encourage you to apply for Course Reimbursement to help defray the costs of group training.